EPL: Christopher Nkunku replacement and 3 things spotted in Chelsea final training ahead of Clash against Liverpool

As the Premier League season kicks off, all eyes are on Stamford Bridge as Chelsea prepares to face Liverpool on Sunday.

Mauricio Pochettino‘s debut match in charge of the Blues adds an extra layer of anticipation to the clash, and the final pre-game training session at Stamford Bridge offered a glimpse into the team’s preparations and possible strategies.

Here are three noteworthy observations from the training session:

1. Christopher Nkunku’s Replacement Considerations:

The acquisition of Christopher Nkunku was a clear statement of Chelsea’s intent to strengthen their attacking prowess.

However, an unfortunate injury has sidelined him, and it appears he might not grace the competitive field until 2024.

This predicament has prompted Pochettino to ponder over who can fill Nkunku’s shoes. While names like Michael Olise, Mohammed Kudus, and Rayan Cherki have circulated as potential attacking additions, Chelsea might already have a solution within their ranks.

READ ALSO: Liverpool Beat Chelsea and reach £110m agreement to sign Moises Caicedo

Diego Moreira, who joined the club alongside Nkunku this summer could be the answer. His presence during the training session indicates his involvement in Pochettino’s first-team plans.

Although Cesare Casadei’s absence was notable as he edges closer to a loan move to Leicester, Moreira’s presence signals that he might step up as Nkunku’s replacement in Pochettino’s squad for the upcoming fixture.

2. Integration of New Signings:

Chelsea’s summer transfer activity has been robust, welcoming fresh faces to the squad. Among the recent additions, Robert Sanchez and Axel Disasi made their presence felt at Stamford Bridge for the first time as Chelsea players.

Disasi, secured from Monaco, steps in as a replacement for Wesley Fofana following his injury setback. Sanchez, brought in to compete for the No.1 goalkeeper spot with Kepa Arrizabalaga is touted to reshape the dynamics between the posts, with Kepa’s future attracting interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Although Pochettino may not slot them into the starting lineup against Liverpool, both Sanchez and Disasi are strong contenders for a place in the matchday squad, potentially influencing the proceedings from the bench.

READ ALSO: Chelsea dealt an agonizing injury blow ahead of the new Premier League season as Christopher Nkunku set to undergo surgery as knee damage ‘worse than expected’

3. Reece James’s Shift in Role and Leadership:

Reece James’s designation as Chelsea’s new club captain has sparked a noticeable shift in his role during training.

Battling injury concerns and fitness issues, James’s struggles were apparent during pre-season. However, he now appears fully fit and engaged in training.

What stands out is James’s changed role on the training pitch. Instead of being actively involved in drills, numerous images capture him engrossed in discussions with Pochettino.

This development suggests that his new leadership role has extended beyond the pitch, impacting his interaction with the coaching staff.

James’s growth into a leadership role could signify a pivotal transformation for the young full-back, adding a new dimension to his influence on and off the field.

As Chelsea braces for a high-stakes clash against Liverpool, these insights gleaned from their final pre-game training session provide a glimpse into the club’s evolving strategies and dynamics.

The ever-changing landscape of football presents challenges that demand adaptability and strategic decision-making, and Chelsea’s approach to these intricacies will undoubtedly shape their journey in the coming season.