Chelsea striker Nkunku hurts knee in preseason game, could miss start of Premier League

AP , Thursday 3 Aug 2023

Newly signed Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku might miss the start of the Premier League season after coming off injured in the team's final preseason game in the United States.

Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea controls the ball under pressure from Sasa Lukic of Fulham during the Premier League Summer Series match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at FedExField on July 30, 2023. AFP

 

The France international was substituted midway through the first half of the 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in Chicago on Wednesday after falling to the ground clutching his leg.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said Nkunku felt “something in his knee.”

“The doctors are checking him and I hope it is not a big issue,” Pochettino said.

“We hope he can be back quickly with the team. We need a few days to assess him.”

Nkunku, who joined from Leipzig for 52 million pounds ($67 million), has been a regular starter for Chelsea in its preseason games. If he does miss the start of the season, it may open the door for another offseason signing — Nicolas Jackson — to start up front.

Chelsea's first Premier League game is at home against Liverpool on Aug. 13.

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