Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku sidelined with knee injury

France international Christopher Nkunku will face an extended absence due to a knee injury sustained during the team’s pre-season encounter with Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday. 

A club statement released on Tuesday detailed the situation: “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.

Nkunku, who joined Chelsea for a fee of £52 million earlier in the summer from German side RB Leipzig, was expected to play an important role for the Blues, who were woeful last season, and aim to bounce back this term under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Unfortunately, this setback could keep him sidelined for several months, disrupting his anticipated participation in the upcoming fixtures.

While the talented forward was set to don the No. 18 shirt for the 2023/24 season, Chelsea supporters will have to wait to witness his Premier League debut. Nkunku’s absence will also include the much-anticipated opening match against Liverpool on August 13.

Nkunku was impressive during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the United States, scoring three goals, and now he could be out for four months.