Injured stars pushing for Chelsea return in 'massive' boost ahead of Newcastle

Chelsea player depth is set for a massive boost with Christopher Nkunku teasing fans with his imminent return to fitness.

The French striker has been working his way back to full fitness and there is a chance that he could make his debut away at Newcastle this weekend.

Nkunku was the star of the Chelsea team in pre-season in the US and many believe the club would have won more games had he not picked up the injury against Dortmund in their final game before heading back to the United Kingdom.

Since then Chelsea have had to go back to the transfer window for Cole Palmer, and the Manchester-born forward has wasted little time in adapting to life in west London.

Nkunku's return though would provide manager Mauricio Pochettino with another weapon to use with many believing his skill and trickery would be an asset when teams sit deep.

Asked what his progress report was ahead of the international break, manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed he was gaining ground and revealed an interesting conversation.

He told reporters: "He's doing really well. He's working really hard. I think he's really close. As soon as possible we can have him involved. He's a really important player for us.

"That's why I think he is a player that can be important for us because he proves that he can score goals in the Bundesliga."

Another player who can make a difference is Romeo Lavia, the midfielder is also yet to kick a ball for Chelsea having arrived injured and picked up another injury when he was just about to take off.

Pochettino revealed he was also getting close to a return. He added: "Romeo still is not running, so I cannot tell you," he said. "After the international break he is still not going to be ready."

If they do make the match-day squad that will leave Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka and Trevoh Chalobah as the only ones still out due to injury.