CHELSEA manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed two of the Blues' summer signings are close to making their debuts.
The Argentine head coach, 51, has experienced a difficult start to life in charge at Stamford Bridge, winning just four of his opening 11 Premier League games.
But Chelsea began to show signs of improvement when they beat London rivals Tottenham 4-1 in a chaotic game on Monday night.
And they have now received a further boost as both Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia are eyeing their first games for the club after the international break.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's clash with champions Manchester City, Pochettino said: "Nkunku told me: 'Coach, I want to be ready after international break against Newcastle'.
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"It's close. He's doing really, really well. We are so happy with Christopher in his recovery, very professional."
He then added: "Romeo Lavia, close to returning as he was training today.
"Hopefully next week he will be involved with the team, then assess when he can help the team."
Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52million in the summer but has not yet featured due to a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Lavia arrived from Southampton for £58m before he suffered an ankle injury which has kept him out for a lengthy period.
Both players could feature for the first time in a Chelsea shirt when they travel to face Newcastle on November 25.
But they will not be available when they host Man City on Sunday.
Speaking about Chelsea's Treble-winning opponents, Pochettino said: "For me it is the best team, the best coaching staff, the best manager, it is the best or one of the best organisations in the world.
"When you show the results it's because you are doing things top to bottom really well.
"It's going to be a challenge, we want to compete against them.
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"I think we are going to try and compete our best. Three points are important for us."