Chelsea XI vs Bournemouth: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

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 already 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 Nkunku.

“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.

Chelsea will be without the injured Mykhailo Mudryk and the suspended Reece James when hosting Bournemouth in Sunday’s final Premier League outing.

Boss Pochettino could draft in either Raheem Sterling to play on the flank, or even install Ben Chilwell on the left side.

Malo Gusto should continue at right-back in James’ absence, while Thiago Silva will be looking for a start on his final Chelsea outing before leaving the club this summer.

Chelsea predicted XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson

Injured: Mudryk, Fernandez, Fofana, Lavia, Chukwuemeka, Sanchez

Suspended: James

Time and date: 4pm BST on Sunday 19 May, 2024

Venue: Stamford Bridge

TV channel and live stream: Sky Sports