Chelsea reportedly have 'hope' that Christian Pulisic can return to Graham Potter’s squad in next week's clash with Leeds United.
Pulisic, 24, has been out of action since the start of the year after suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City. The injury consequently ruled out any possibility of the USMNT ace sealing a January transfer window move away from the Blues.
In his absence, Chelsea have struggled, especially in the final third. Only three goals have been scored in the previous nine games, with Potter's job security being placed in further doubt following the 1-0 defeat to Southampton last weekend.
READ MORE: Christian Pulisic hints at Chelsea return date after injury
As the Blues prepare for Sunday's London derby with Tottenham Hotspur, Pulisic posted an update on his recovery via social media. Alongside an image of him and Mason Mount, he wrote: "Back outside boys."
Now, it's been claimed by the Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella that Chelsea hold 'hope' that the former Borussia Dortmund winger can work towards an appearance against Leeds next week. The Blues host the relegation-threatened side next Saturday before their Champions League second-leg clash with Dortmund - Pulisic's former club.
The American has contributed to only three goals this season and has found minutes on the field difficult to come by under both Thomas Tuchel and Potter. However, with his deal in west London set to expire in 2024, the final stages of the 2022/23 campaign could prove to be telling in Pulisic's next career move.
It has, so far, remained unclear whether the 24-year-old will extend his current contract beyond 2024. Pulisic has been named as one of the players who could be looked to be sold in the summer to make room for Todd Boehly's spending.
It's understood that Chelsea will resolve any contractual issues at the end of the season rather than allow some of their assets to leave on a free. In the previous two windows, the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle and AC Milan have all made enquiries.
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