Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku appears to have enjoyed his time away with France during the November international break. The 27-year-old played a total of 109 minutes for his nation across two Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy.

Didier Deschamps' side were surprisingly held to a draw against Israel last Thursday before then beating Italy 3-1 and winning their group on goal difference. Nkunku played the entirety of that victory and in his favoured position behind the strikers, with it clear he is hoping Enzo Maresca will offer him the same chance.

In his limited starts for the Blues, with most of those coming in Conference League action, Nkunku has been deployed as the striker. Maresca is fully aware that is not his best position but needs must has seen him deployed in that role while Cole Palmer, occupying Nkunku's favoured No.10 role, is a Chelsea undroppable.

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"Christo probably is the one that every time he plays, he scores and he did well," Maresca said when discussing the player's possibly at a crossroads. "Also, probably was our best player in pre-season, no doubt. He was playing as an attacking midfielder and now we are using him as a No.9.

"We all know he is not a No.9, it's more second striker, behind the striker, between the lines. I try to find solutions and balance with all of them." On Nkunku, as well as Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk, he added: "They are all players that probably deserve more chances in the Premier League but we also have more players that deserve it."

Even though it is not his natural position, as Maresca points out, Nkunku often finds the back of the net and that's highlighted by the fact he is the club's top scorer this season. Given his success there and latest audition further back, it appears as though Maresca has no plans to make changes and has therefore has got his decisions spot on.

Though France scored three goals against Italy, Nkunku was unable to contribute directly to any of those despite playing for 90 minutes. According to FotMob, he completed 38 of 39 passes but had just one shot in the game with that on target, but from roughly 30 yards out.

At the very least, the Frenchmen played seven balls into the final third, showcasing his desire to progress attacks. Nkunku however, may not be overly bothered by that though as the win by a two-goal margin saw France leapfrog their opponents via goal difference.

The day after their triumph in Italy, Nkunku posted to Instagram and captioned the post by saying: "In a team [two fists together emojis]. Victory and first place [black tick emoji] Come on the Blues. [French flag emoji]."

Though it is unlikely Maresca will imminently reverse his ruthless decision to play Nkunku out of position, an opportunity may arrive during the busy Christmas period. With that said, another Chelsea star in Jadon Sancho could take minutes away from him following his return to training.