Nkunku was injured during Chelsea’s pre-season (Image: Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino said Christopher Nkunku was eyeing a return after the international break, while Romeo Lavia is also close to making his long-awaited Chelsea debut.

Nkunku played a prominent role in the Blues’ preparation before suffering a serious knee injury on the eve of their opening Premier League games.

The Frenchman who passed by German Club RB Leipzig have been working hard behind the scenes on his rehabilitation in a deal worth £52 million and are now almost fully fit.

There was speculation that the 25-year-old would be fit enough to return to action against Manchester City on Sunday, but he will instead make his competitive debut for the club after the international break.

Pochettino is delighted with Nkunku’s return and praised the attitude he showed during his time on the sidelines.

“We had a conversation and he said to me: ‘I want to be ready for after the international break,'” the Argentine said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“I said to him yesterday, ‘You’re a liar’, but he’s doing really well and we’re very happy with the way his recovery is going. He is very professional.

Lavia joined Chelsea in a £58million deal with Southampton (Image: Getty)

“Hopefully he can be back with the team next week.” [in training] and then see how things develop from day to day.’

Meanwhile, Romeo Lavia is also awaiting his first Premier League appearance for the west London club since his big move from Southampton.

The 19-year-old has been struggling with an ankle injury since arriving at Stamford Bridge, but Pochettino provided a positive update on the central midfielder.

“Lavia is nearby too,” he said. “He trained on the field today. Hopefully next week with the team.”

Chelsea host Manchester City on Sunday and will look to consolidate their impressive win over Tottenham with another three points against the league leaders.