Chelsea fans will be leaving Stamford Bridge delighted with a win, but perhaps a tinge of disappointment that there was no competitive debut for Christopher Nkunku.

The 26-year-old attacker was on the bench against Sheffield United and in a matchday squad for the very first time this season.

However, he stayed as an unused substitute despite four changes from the manager in the second period.

Manager explains

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has said why he didn’t turn to Nkunku as an option from the bench.

Pochettino explained in his post-match interview that he didn’t want to take the risk with the Frenchman’s fitness, which is why he played it safe and left him as a substitute.

He told BBC’s Match of the Day (5:25pm, 16 December): “We didn’t want to take a risk with him and give him more time for his recovery.”

Christopher Nkunku left on the bench

Chelsea’s two goals came quickly after half-time as the hosts turned on the gas, so the final 30 minutes was a very quiet affair.

You could argue it may have been the perfect time to ease Nkunku into English football. At the same time, it may have been unnecessary risk given he’s got zero minutes this season due to injury.

We’re not sure throwing him into Chelsea’s biggest game of the season on Tuesday night is the smartest move, either. The Blues host Newcastle United in a few day time in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

TEAMtalk recently reported that there’s real excitement from within Chelsea about the impact Nkunku can make to the side when he’s available again. The last thing we want is him rushed back from injury too quickly, though.

With so many fixtures during this festive period, we hope it’s only a matter of time before this much anticipated debut comes.