Chelsea left it late to snatch a crucial 2-1 Premier League win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday as victory puts the Blues right in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification with five matches left.
Alex Iwobi handed the hosts an early lead before substitute Tyrique George levelled the scores in the 83rd minute. Ultimately, a stoppage-time strike from Pedro Neto guided Enzo Maresca's side to their 16th win of the 2024/25 EPL campaign.
While fans were ecstatic with Chelsea's last-gasp victory, and the Blues' return to UCL contention, there was concern over Christopher Nkunku's axing for such an important match.
Amid speculation over Nkunku struggling with a minor injury, Maresca confirmed it was a 'technical decision' to drop the France international from his matchday squad.
“Christopher Nkunku was not involved today for a technical decision. No injury, just my decision," Maresca stated at full-time.
After hearing this, a large chunk of Chelsea fans believe the Frenchman's days at the Stamford Bridge are numbered.
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"End of the road for Nkunku at Chelsea," a fan wrote on X.
"I see him exiting the club this summer," another passionate supporter stated.
End of the road for Nkunku at Chelsea!
— NED-BOII (@TheSharinganNed) April 20, 2025
"He might leave at the end of the season," a user shared.
He might leave at the end of the season
— Kenny (@iam_kennyluk) April 20, 2025
"He's getting forced out of the club," another fan highlighted.
It was a great win for the Blues, as teenage sensation George scored his first Premier League goal, and Maresca showered praise on the youngster for his match-defining role.
"He is a talent, but he has to work hard. He’s doing well, deserved a chance and the goal was fantastic. It was very important because it gave us an energy boost for the last push."
Could Christopher Nkunku leave Chelsea?
Nkunku's arrival from RB Leipzig for £52m [$69m] in 2023 was celebrated in West London with fans expectant over what he could bring to the squad.
But unfortunately, the Frenchman has been plagued by injuries and never managed to settle at the Stamford Bridge. He's featured in 27 matches in the EPL this season, clocking up only 921 minutes alongside three goals and two assists.
Nkunku's performances have been better in the Conference League, scoring five goals and providing three assists in nine matches.
He has been mostly an understudy to Nicolas Jackson for the entirety of the season, and with game time a primary issue, Nkunku may leave in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United were interested in the 27-year-old in the winter window, but it remains unclear if the Red Devils will show interest again in 2025.
Chelsea related news and links
- Chelsea makes contact with Bayern's defensive stalwart to sign him this summer
- Enzo Maresca reveals Chelsea's approach for last 'eight games'
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