August 08, (THEWILL) – Chelsea have been dealt a significant blow with the confirmation that their new forward, Christopher Nkunku, is set for an extended spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury.
The French international, who recently made a high-profile move from RB Leipzig in a reported £52 million deal, underwent surgical intervention following an injury sustained during the club’s pre-season tour in the United States. Nkunku’s impressive form during pre-season had ignited hopes in the fans, as he netted three goals and even marked his non-competitive debut with a goal against Wrexham. However, those hopes were dashed when he was forced off just 22 minutes into a match against Borussia Dortmund, raising concerns about the severity of the situation.
While manager Mauricio Pochettino had initially played down the issue, the latest update from the club’s official website paints a more sombre picture for the striker. In a statement released on Tuesday, the club disclosed: “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.”
Pochettino’s earlier optimism about a quick recovery now appears undone, as the road to recuperation stretches ahead for Nkunku. The injury raises questions about the potential impact of the playing conditions at Soldier Field, where the incident occurred. Pochettino dismissed the notion that the artificial pitch played a role in Nkunku’s injury, attributing it to “bad luck.” He commented: “We took some risks because the pitch is not perfect because the facilities are used for a different sport. We won’t blame the pitch for the injury though. For me, it was bad luck.”
As Chelsea ready themselves for a high-stakes encounter against Liverpool in their English Premier League opener, Nkunku’s absence leaves a void in the team’s early-season aspirations. The setback is particularly disheartening given Nkunku’s promising start and the anticipation surrounding his impact. The club and its supporters will be hoping for a swift and complete resurgence for the dynamic forward.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
