Chelsea putting 'unnecessary pressure' on summer signing, says Shearer
Cameron Smith
- 30 Oct 2023 14:15 GMT
- 3 min read
Alan Shearer believes that Chelsea are piling “unnecessary pressure” on summer signing Christopher Nkunku before the Frenchman has even made his competitive Blues debut.
Nkunku, 25, joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for €60 million during the most recent transfer window, but he suffered a serious knee injury on their USA pre-season tour and has been sidelined ever since.
The France international has been pictured strengthening his knee at Chelsea’s Cobham training base, but he is yet to join in with team training. He is expected to return to action in December.
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His absence has been sorely missed at Stamford Bridge and he is likely to replace Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea’s starting number nine when he returns to full fitness.
Nkunku played as a striker for Leipzig, but many viewed the 25-year-old as more of an attacking midfielder due to his ability to create chances. However, the form of Conor Gallagher alongside Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez means Nkunku is likely to start his Chelsea career as their number nine.
Shearer believes this is a foolish thing to do, however, amid the goal-struggles that have hampered Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
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He told The Rest Is Football podcast: “I tell you who won’t be getting in the top four - Chelsea! They were really poor. Poor in the final third.
“They are now talking about Nkunku being back with him being injured but he’s not really a centre forward is he, so that is going to put unnecessary pressure on him.”
Chelsea have scored just 13 goals in 10 Premier League matches this season and are currently 11th in the English top flight table, 11 points behind Liverpool in fourth.
What else was said?
Shearer also spoke on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily and added: “They [Chelsea] were really poor in their forward positions. They got into some really good ones in the first half but there was poor finishing and lack of movement.
“I wouldn't say a lack of effort, but there is so much missing up top for them. Until they resolve that, it's going to be a tough season for them.”
