Chelsea XI vs Sheffield United: Christopher Nkunku on bench - Starting lineup and confirmed team news today

Chelsea fans will finally get to see Christopher Nkunku make his long-awaited debut today, but only off the bench against Sheffield United.

The 26-year-old forward is fit again after a four-month lay-off, which has delayed his competitive debut until this afternoon.

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Mauricio Pochettino is set to slowly ease the France international into action despite Chelsea's dismal run, which sees them sit 12th in the Premier League table.

Malo Gusto is also on the bench and Axel Disasi will take up the right-back berth with Reece James now facing a significant lay-off following another hamstring injury.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is set to visit a specialist over his knee injury, with Marc Cucurella also hurt in the 2-0 defeat at Everton last weekend. Djordje Petrovic makes his full debut between the posts as a result.

Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah and Lesley Ugochukwu remain out.

Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill; Caicedo, Gallagher; Mudryk, Palmer, Sterling; Jackson

Subs: Bettinelli, Bergstrom, Gilchrist, Gusto, Maatsen, Enzo, Matos, Broja, Nkunku

Injuries: Sanchez, Cucurella, James, Lavia, Fofana, Chilwell, Chukwuemeka, Chalobah, Ugochukwu

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday, December 16, 2023

Venue: Stamford Bridge, London