Nkunku returns to Chelsea squad but Maresca backs George
Enzo Maresca has recalled Christopher Nkunku to the Chelsea squad for Saturday’s game against Everton.
The forward was left out against Fulham, with youngster Tyrique George instead included.
George came on as a substitute and scored Chelsea’s equaliser in the 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
Malo Gusto picked up an injury late in that game and will miss out this weekend – and head coach Maresca has decided to replace the full-back in the squad with Nkunku.
Maresca explained: “He’s back in the squad. He’s training well. If he was in the squad for the Fulham game, one offensive player has to be out – probably Tyrique.
“But now Malo is out, so we can bring another one.”
Maresca selecting George rather than Nkunku, a big-money signing in 2023, raised some eyebrows.
But the Italian insisted: “Since day one I just tried to do my best for the club, so any decision I take is always thinking about the best thing for the club.
“I know that Christo cost a lot of money and Ty is from the academy. But I’m here to take this kind of decision that probably from outside is difficult to see, but from inside, when you see them working every day, you have to take a decision.”
