My injury caused this team a lot of things but am back, Christopher Nkunku sends message to Chelsea fans after finally making debut

Christopher Nkunku has fired a message to Chelsea supporters after finally making his debut for the club since his £52m move from RB Leipzig.

Blues fans have been desperate to see the 26-year-old France international in action – with a knee injury ruling him out following his arrival this summer.

Nkunku, who can operate as an attacking midfielder, second striker or winger, massively impressed during his four-year stint in Germany and there has been much interest to see if he can replicate his success in England.

The Frenchman registered 70 goals and 56 assists across 172 games, was crowned Bundesliga Player of the Season in 2022 and was the Bundesliga’s top goalscorer in 2023 while he also helped RB Leipzig win back-to-back DFB-Pokal titles.

Chelsea have struggled for goals this term – scoring less than West Ham and Brighton as well as four of their five fellow big six rivals – leading to even more interest in Nkunku from Blues fans as they hope for an improvement in attack.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino named Nkunku in a matchday squad for the first time on Saturday as Chelsea beat Sheffield United 2-0 in the Premier League but the former RB Leipzig star did not make it off the bench at Stamford Bridge.

However, Nkunku eventually made his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt during the team’s Carabao Cup quarter-final triumph over Newcastle United on Tuesday, featuring for the last 21 minutes after he replaced Nicolas Jackson.

Although he did not score from open play, Nkunku came on when Chelsea were 1-0 behind and after Mykhailo Mudryk equalised in stoppage time, he slotted home a penalty in the shootout to help Chelsea progress to the last four.

Nkunku posted on social media on Wednesday after making his debut as he wrote on Instagram: ‘The best way to meet you guys for the first time at the Bridge.

‘Thanks for the warm welcome [blue heart emoji]. Can’t wait for more.’

A number of his team-mates left messages of support in the comments including Mudryk, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia and Ian Maatsen.

Chelsea captain James also posted his own Instagram story about Nkunku’s debut and wrote: BIG WIN!! So happy to see you back big bro!! @c_nkunku.’

Nkunku will be hoping for more minutes when Chelsea return to action on Christmas Eve (December 24) with a trip to Wolves in the top-flight.

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