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The desperation was almost palpable on his face as he said the words, knowing that Nkunku – the player that had made his side tick in the No 10 role in pre-season – would not be back until December or quite possibly the New Year. At least, though, Pochettino knew he could nurture Chukwuemeka into thriving in the more advanced role.<\/p>\n
But the 20-year-old soon followed Nkunku into the physio room after coming off against West Ham shortly after scoring his first goal.<\/p>\n
Perhaps feeling that his side were becoming susceptible to injuries, Pochettino appealed to the club to make a signing to cover for Nkunku’s absence in the final weeks of the window.<\/p>\n
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DON’T MISS <\/strong> Gabri Veiga was heavily linked before head to Saudi Arabia, while West Ham new boy Mohammed Kudus looked to be on his way at one point. Chelsea even agreed a deal for Michael Olise by triggering his release clause, but the Frenchman opted to snub their advances and sign a new contract with Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n Chelsea turned to Manchester City starlet Cole Palmer and signed the England Under-21 international in a \u00a340m transfer, which on paper looked like a smart buy. But just like the rest of his squad, Palmer’s inexperience and youthful age means he needs time to adjust, something they can hardly afford at the moment.<\/p>\n In addition, their decision to pass up on an established star like Roma’s Paulo Dybala – available for just \u00a310.6m earlier in the summer – looks more foolish with every game.<\/p>\n Pochettino has struggled to find the answer to their problems and that was evident in their last two matches against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. The Blues failed to score in both games and took away just one point when teams of their stature would be expected to win comfortably, with a lack of chances being created for Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson to put away.<\/p>\n BBC Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas pointed to how Nkunku’s absence had affected Nicolas Jackson and claimed the Senegalese looked “lost” up front on his own. The 22-year-old probably would not disagree after netting just once in five appearances since his \u00a332m switch.<\/p>\n Nothing can help Chelsea speed up the France star’s return date, but they badly need to find some inspiration in attack. With only five points and goals from five games, Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk need to step up to convince Pochettino that they are more than just Nkunku, who already looks indispensible without even making his debut yet.<\/p>\n
Two Chelsea stars blamed for Boehly giving eight-year deals to almost everyone[INSIGHT] <\/strong>
Chelsea target Zakharyan gives Boehly verdict after being left ‘in limbo'[TRANSFERS] <\/strong>
Mauricio Pochettino leaps to Mudryk’s defence as Chelsea left frustrated[NEWS] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4965473.jpg?r=1695043608280\")
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