- Nkunku suffered knee injury
- Chelsea man has had surgery
- Arrived from RB Leipzig earlier this summer
WHAT HAPPENED? The French international was forced off in the 22nd minute of Chelsea's final pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago after a challenge from Mat Hummels. Initial reports suggested the Blues' £58 million ($74m) summer signing from RB Leipzig would be out for weeks rather than months after sustaining meniscus damage in his left knee but he is now set for a far longer spell on the sidelines. Indeed, Chelsea have confirmed Nkunku will require knee surgery, which will delay his competitive debut until well into the new season.
A statement from the Blues' website reads: "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 BIGGER PICTURE: The 25-year-old has made a bright start to his time with the west London outfit but his absence is a concern for manager Mauricio Pochettino. An extended layoff for Nkunku, who can play as an attacking midfielder or second striker, increases the pressure on Todd Boehly's team to strengthen in that part of the pitch. They have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, who is a winger but can play in attacking midfield, while Neymar has also been mooted as a potential target after reportedly telling Paris Saint-Germain that he wants to leave the club.
AND WHAT'S MORE: Chelsea scored a meagre 38 goals in 38 matches last season, so they need all the attacking options they can get to improve this time out and launch a genuine bid to return to the top-four.
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WHAT NEXT? Chelsea begin their 2023-24 league season at home to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool on Sunday. They will hope Nkunku will return to the first-team as soon as possible.