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Mauricio Pochettino has suggested that the return of Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia isn’t so far away anymore, with the Chelsea duo having made progress in their recovery journey over the past few weeks.

Nkunku hasn’t yet played a competitive match for Chelsea after his move from RB Leipzig last summer, although the French international did star in pre-season for Pochettino’s men, and scored a few goals before his injury.

As for Lavia, since his £60m transfer from Southampton in the summer, the Belgian hasn’t yet played for the Blues after picking up an injury during training.

Pochettino has however shared that the two players are closer than ever to making a full recovery, and they may be available when Chelsea welcome Sheffield United to Stamford Bridge on December 16.

Asked whether the duo are back next week, the Chelsea boss said: “We will see. The last step is always the most difficult thing.

“Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are so close, but at the same time we had a small delay, but we hope that they can be involved soon.”

Fans had expected to see Nkunku in action against Everton, but the 26-year-old isn’t yet ready to make his competitive debut for the Blues.