In a regrettable turn of events, Chelsea’s sensational £52 million summer acquisition, Christopher Nkunku, has been dealt a setback as he undergoes knee surgery, rendering him unavailable for a substantial duration.
The talented French forward, who recently made the switch from RB Leipzig, encountered the unfortunate injury during Chelsea’s final pre-season encounter against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago. The club has confirmed that Nkunku will be absent for a considerable portion of the upcoming season.
In an official statement, Chelsea expressed, “Nkunku has sustained an unfortunate knee injury that will keep the forward out of action for an extended period. The 25-year-old has successfully undergone a surgical procedure and will now embark on a comprehensive rehabilitation program under the guidance of the club’s esteemed medical team.”
The timing of Nkunku’s absence presents a challenge for newly appointed manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is diligently preparing his squad for the highly anticipated Premier League curtain-raiser against Liverpool this Sunday.
Pochettino has conveyed his willingness to explore potential reinforcements in the forward department prior to the conclusion of the transfer window, keeping the door open for a possible addition to the roster.
During the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, Nkunku had been actively sharing striking responsibilities with the accomplished £30 million signing, Nicolas Jackson. The duo exhibited their goal-scoring prowess, contributing to a successful Premier League Summer Series campaign.
With Jackson and the promising Armando Broja now being Pochettino’s sole available first-team strikers at the onset of the new season, Chelsea’s resolve will undoubtedly be tested as they navigate this early-season challenge.
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