Huge blow for Chelsea as Nkunku is ruled out for ‘up to 16 weeks’ after knee operation
Chelsea summer signing Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out for “an extended period” of time after undergoing knee surgery.
The 25-year-old forward made a pre-contract agreement to join the club in December and finalised the move in June for a reported £63million on a six-year contract.
He scored 23 goals in 36 appearances for the Bundesliga side during the 2022/23 season and became the first major arrival since Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as the club’s new manager.
His arrival came after Chelsea recorded their lowest-scoring season of the Premier League era and one of the lowest in the club’s history, with their league tally of 38 their worst return since 1924.
Nkunku, who made his debut for France in November last year, was forced to miss the World Cup in Qatar after injuring his knee during the team’s pre-tournament training camp.
It was part of an injury-hit campaign that saw him make only 25 appearances in the Bundesliga, having been ever-present in the side during the previous campaign.
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And now Chelsea have revealed that Nkunku is now injured again with the Blues facing a long period without their new signing.
A statement on the Chelsea website 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.”
Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter that he could be out for as many as 16 weeks, he wrote: “Chelsea confirm Christopher Nkunku has undergone surgery to his knee injury sustained in Chicago. #CFC New signing could be out for up to 16 weeks.”
It comes as a major blow for Chelsea ahead of the new Premier League campaign with Pochettino banking on his goals.
And former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage had even predicted Chelsea to make the top four this year despite all the upheaval at the club.
Savage told Star Sports: “I think Chelsea could get into the top four. You look at Newcastle and Arsenal who have Champions League football – yes, Arsenal have made three big signings – but I think Chelsea could get it.
“I think with the way Mauricio Pochettino can improve players and the fact they have no European football, which is huge, could play a big factor.
“It’s between Arsenal and Liverpool [for who misses out]. Arsenal have improved as well. The big one for me is Liverpool, especially if they continue to play that high line. They were beatable last year and didn’t have a great season. If you’re looking at it now, I’d say Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.”
