Nkunku is still yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea following his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer. The 26-year-old was dealt a major blow to his knee during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

He has taken his recovery programme to the next level and, for the very first time since the summer, Nkunku has been spotted outside on the training pitches at Cobham in his Chelsea gear. Pochettino has also revealed that the Frenchman is targeting an ambitious return soon after the international break.

Earlier this week, Nkunku posted a cryptic message on social media. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: “Thank you all for your messages *praying emoji* *birthday cake emoji* big love *red love heart*. See you soon *fingers crossed emoji* *red balloon emoji*.”

What Pochettino has said: “We had some conversation and he said to me, ‘Coach, I want to be ready for after the international break, Newcastle’. I asked him yesterday and he said ‘hmmm’, and I said ‘you are liar’. ‘No, no I am ready’. It is close and he is doing really well. We are so happy with him, the way he is recovering, he is very professional.”

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) – Saturday, November 25