Chelsea have suffered a major setback ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season, as their new signing Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out for an "extended period" after undergoing surgery for a knee injury. The French forward, who joined the Blues from RB Leipzig for £58 million this summer, sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago last week.
Also Read: Christopher Nkunku suffers knee injury against Borussia Dortmund
Nkunku, who scored three goals in five pre-season games for Chelsea, was substituted in the 22nd minute of the match after falling awkwardly on the artificial pitch at Soldier Field. He was initially expected to be out for only a few weeks, but further scans revealed that he had damaged his meniscus in his left knee and required an operation.
Chelsea confirmed the news on their official website on Tuesday, stating: "Nkunku has sustained a knee injury, which will rule the forward out for an extended period. The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club's medical department."
The club did not specify how long Nkunku will be sidelined for, but it is expected that he will miss at least the first few months of the season. This is a huge blow for Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had been impressed by Nkunku's versatility and adaptability in his new system. Nkunku can play as a winger, a second striker, or a central midfielder and was seen as a key addition to Chelsea's attack.
Also Read: Chelsea sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig
It seems that the new manager, Pochettino, will have to cope without Nkunku for a while and may have to look for alternatives in the transfer market. Chelsea have been linked with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and PSG winger Neymar Jr. Chelsea will kick off their Premier League campaign against Liverpool at home on Sunday,August 13, hoping to move on from the ghosts of last season.
