Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has hinted that he is making progress in his efforts to return from a knee injury.
Earlier this year, the Blues confirmed that they won the race to sign the versatile attacker from RB Leipzig in a transfer worth in the region of £52m.
Throughout the club's pre-season tour of the USA, Nkunku made a notable impression, linking up well with fellow new arrival Nicolas Jackson.
However, towards the end of the club's preparations for the new Premier League campaign, the 25-year-old suffered a knee issue against Borussia Dortmund.
While the initial hope was that Nkunku would be sidelined for no more than two months, it was revealed by Chelsea that their key attacker would be absent until November at the very earliest.
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That came as a blow to both club and player, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino having had to tinker with his plans for 2023-24 and Chelsea having since struggled for goals.
Although six strikes have come in recent wins at Fulham and Burnley, the West Londoners had previously netted just five times in six top-flight fixtures.
There have been minimal updates from Chelsea regarding Nkunku's recovery, aside from the weekly updates that they provide ahead of Pochettino's press conferences.
Nevertheless, Nkunku has offered an encouraging update of his own, taking to Instagram stories to show himself in the gym.
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Furthermore, the France international can be see using a football in an individual capacity, with the assumption being that it is a step up from what he has previously been doing.
Just over two months have passed since Nkunku suffered the injury and no risks are expected to be taken with other players having recently made their respective returns in the final third.
Armando Broja has come through 125 minutes spread across four appearances since his recovery from a serious knee injury, while Noni Madueke has made his return from a minor muscle issue.
Mykhaylo Mudryk also had a minor thigh problem before the international break, but he was able to make a substitute outing versus Burnley last weekend.
Darren Plant
