Mauricio Pochettino explains why he didn't play Nkunku against Sheffield United

The supporters of Chelsea Football Club did not get to see Christopher Nkunku play for the first time despite him being named on the matchday squad against Sheffield United.

The Argentine said that he does not want to put pressure on the French international considering he is just returning from a lengthy injury. He made this known while speaking in a press conference ahead of the quater-final Carabao Cup against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

He said,

"How I see today? I can tell you he can maybe play 20 minutes [vs Newcastle]. Before Sheffield United? In my mind, 1-2% of doubt that's why I didn't want to take a risk. I need to be 100%."

He added,

"The priority is to feel 100% and then how he can add to the teamand be decisive. My worry is to put too much pressure on him now that he's arrived and to make us win every single game. It's not going to be like this. He needs time."

Chelsea supporters will hope he gets enough minutes when they face Newcastle and probably get a winning goal.