Chelsea drop huge Christopher Nkunku team news hint vs Brighton after Pochettino admission

Chelsea have hinted at the inclusion of Christopher Nkunku for the game against Brighton on Wednesday. The Blues are aiming to secure a top-seven finish with a win on the south coast.

Mauricio Pochettino's side know that with Manchester United taking on Newcastle at the same time, there is a chance to take a giant step towards European qualification. Although they cannot wrap up a definite place in the Europa League victory at the Amex Stadium would all-but ensure a place in the Conference League at least, barring a remarkable goal difference swing or Manchester United winning the FA Cup.

"It is really important to remain strong, with the mentality and of course really believe we can get [European qualification]," Pochettino said before the match. "It's true that the last two games are going to be really tough.

"Tomorrow we play Brighton who are a very good team and it is going to be really tough to play. And then Bournemouth at home. But always the most important thing is to believe and the team is doing well in the second part of the season, or maybe the last 26 or 27 games we are doing really, really well.

"We need to keep in this way. Trying to always do our best – compete and improving. It is going to be tough but I think we really believe we can compete well in the last two games and have the possibility to get to Europe. That would be amazing for us."

The head coach will be able to pick from his strongest selection of players yet after Reece James returned to the squad against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Meanwhile, Nkunku and Malo Gusto also made moves towards gaining match sharpness after a period out.

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It is Nkunku, though, that is central to the pre-match graphic for the match posted online. The Frenchman is the only player included as he is pictured wearing the navy away kit, which will be donned against the Seagulls.

Nkunku has only started two league games for Chelsea all season after an injury-hit first nine months at the club. He has been involved in team training for several weeks now though and has made substitute appearances in each of the last two matches.

The club have been eager to protect their star signing of last summer, not rushing him back. His inclusion on the graphic could hint at more minutes against Brighton, though just where he would slot into a functioning attack in such an important game is less obvious.

Only last week James himself revealed his involvement in a matchday squad for the first-time in over five months. He wrote: "see u @ 5:30 blues [alarm clock emoji]". He was named on the bench at the City Ground and came on with 10 minutes of normal time left.

Other Chelsea players to be central to promotion ahead of the game are Thiago Silva and Moises Caicedo. Pochettino could have all but four players available to select from depending on the fitness of Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka.