Chelsea’s recent signing, Christopher Nkunku, is facing an extended period on the sidelines due to a more severe injury than initially thought, as scans have revealed. The injury occurred during a pre-season friendly and has dealt a significant setback to Chelsea’s upcoming season plans.
Nkunku, who joined for £52 million from RB Leipzig, suffered a meniscus injury in a collision with Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels in Chicago. The extent of the injury might require a knee operation.
Despite the pitch’s condition at Soldier Field being criticized due to a recent Ed Sheeran concert, Chelsea’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, refrained from attributing the injury to it.
During pre-season, Nkunku showcased his prowess, scoring three goals in five appearances while playing various attacking roles. Chelsea’s attacking dynamics were impacted when he exited the match against Dortmund, and Pochettino hoped for a swift recovery.
However, Nkunku will likely miss the season’s start, undergoing additional scans to determine the exact extent of the injury and the length of his absence.
With their season opener against Liverpool approaching, Pochettino acknowledged the risks of the tour’s unpredictable conditions.
