The Frenchman signed for the Blues from RB Leipzig last summer and he had a good pre-season until he picked up a knee injury against Borussia Dortmund.

He has been sidelined ever since but he could finally make his first-team bow for the Blues when they host Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Pochettino said: "It's a big motivation for us, for his team-mates, and the fans to see a player that should be important for us being in the squad for the first time."

The Blues are currently 12th in the league standings with just 19 points on the board and they will be aiming to return to winning ways when Sheffield visit them.

If they fail to beat the Blades tomorrow, there could be serious questions over whether Pochettino is the right man for the job going forward.

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