Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s £52 million summer addition, has been ruled out for an “extended period” following knee surgery.
The France attacker, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig, was injured in Chelsea’s final pre-season game against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago, and the club has revealed he will be out for an extended period of the new season.
The absence of Nkunku is a setback for new manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is getting ready for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool. Before the transfer window closes, Pochettino has stated that he would be “open” to add one more player to the forward group.
Nicolas Jackson, a £30 million addition to the club, and Nkunku have been splitting time at striker during the club’s preseason tour of the United States. Both players scored goals during a productive Premier League Summer Series campaign.
In a club statement
“Nkunku has sustained a knee injury that will rule the forward out for an extended period, The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation program with the club’s medical department.”