Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Christopher Nkunku suffered a knee injury in the 1-1 friendly draw against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.
The Frenchman was replaced just 22 minutes into the match and Pochettino says the injury needs to be assessed before a timeline for his return can be given:
“The doctors are checking him. He feels something in his knee but hopefully, it is not a big issue and he can be quick with the team. Now we need a few days to assess him and until we get back to London it is difficult to know.”
A video has shown Nkunku walking without crutches but he did appear to be limping and fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) are rather concerned:
Limping a bit
— MikeInFPLand (@MikeInFPLand) August 3, 2023
Looks injured
— Falcone (@jbonzy) August 3, 2023
He’s walking funny ngl
— Type G (@gghgggggfda) August 3, 2023
But he is definitely in discomfort.
— FPL BD 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩 (@sawon474) August 3, 2023
Looks like less than a month out so we good.
— JohnnyMP (@johnnyjl96) August 3, 2023
Not looking good
— D (@notthisstime) August 3, 2023
Man said he’s okay…. We hope to see him against Liverpool
— Fholaryn07_💪🏻💙 (@folafire07) August 3, 2023
Nkunku could be in danger of missing the Liverpool clash
Chelsea’s first Premier League fixture is now only ten days away and Nkunku is in a race against time to be fit for the game at Stamford Bridge a week Sunday.
It is certainly not ideal preparation for the Blues, who are still looking to sign a number of players to strengthen the first-team squad.
A positive pre-season does offer Chelsea supporters some hope
Despite Nkunku’s setback, the draw against Dortmund meant that the Blues ended their tour of the United States unbeaten, having won against Brighton, Fulham and Wrexham, whilst sharing the spoils versus Newcastle.
Although you can’t read too much into pre-season results, you are beginning to see a style of play and the identity that Pochettino is trying to instil in the team.
