"The first time [he returned] we let him get all those starter reps and it was great," Shanahan said. "And then there was a chance he could re-hurt it in the game and he did and he's been out for the last month. He's got more reps this week, but we weren't going to commit to all of that like we did last time. So, I think it's easing him back more than last time."
The most expensive signing was Nkunku, who cost €37m plus bonuses. Just two summers earlier, the Blues had budgeted a €100m investment: €65m immediately to RB Leipzig to bring the striker to the Premier League, and another €35m if they won the Champions League in the following three years. In truth though he struggled to establish himself: 18 goals in 62 total matches were not considered enough. A move to Milan a-la-Pulisic followed, but his time has been bumpy so far.