CONFIRMED: Lists of games Christopher Nkunku could miss after four-month injury blow as Chelsea break silence
Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku will be sidelined for several months after suffering a knee injury which has seen him undergo an operation.
The 25-year-old was forced off in the first half of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund last week, which concluded their pre-season tour of the United States, after a challenge from Mats Hummels inside the penalty area.
Mauricio Pochettino‘s side were hopeful Nkunku, who joined the club from RB Leipzig this summer, would only be ruled out for a couple of weeks, including the Premier League opener against Liverpool this weekend.
However, Chelsea confirmed the bad news that the France international will be out for an ‘extended period’.
A statement read: “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.”
After suffering meniscus damage, Nkunku’s absence could be up to four months (16 weeks), as per various reports, which could see Pochettino without his new signing until December.
Excluding Carabao Cup fixtures, if Nkunku was to be ruled out of all of August, September, October and November, he would miss 13 games before December.
Liverpool
West Ham
Luton Town
Nottingham Forest
AFC Bournemouth
Aston Villa
Fulham
Burnley
Arsenal
Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City
Newcastle United
Chelsea will have to rely on new striker Nicolas Jackson, who impressed in pre-season, returning Armando Broja, as well the other attacking players in the side, including Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke.
It remains unclear if Pochettino will look to sign another forward before the end of the transfer window.