Chelsea set out Christopher Nkunku plan vs Bournemouth after promising return from injury

Mauricio Pochettino has insisted Chelsea will not take any risks with fit-again striker Christopher Nkunku in Sunday’s season-closing clash with Bournemouth.

Nkunku came off the bench to fire a fine winner in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory at Brighton, but the 26-year-old has only just beaten long-term knee and hamstring problems.

The £52million RB Leipzig signing has managed just three goals in 13 appearances in his injury-ravaged first term at Stamford Bridge.

But now that he is back fit, Pochettino insisted Chelsea will handle him carefully.

Nkunku may have to settle for a seat on the bench against the Cherries on Sunday, as Chelsea plot to ease him towards full sharpness for next season.

“He played more than we expect because of Mykhailo Mudryk’s injury against Brighton,” said Pochettino on Friday.

“He played a little longer than we planned, so tomorrow we are going to assess him.

“We must not take any risks, so we will take the best decision for him first, and then for the team.

“We cannot take the risk because we want him to finish this season with good feelings and then be able to start the pre-season well.”