Christopher Nkunku injury: Progress & potential return date for Chelsea forward
- Chelsea confirmed £52m signing of Christopher Nkunku in June
- Frenchman picked up knee injury in pre-season draw with Dortmund
- Has undergone surgery and miss an 'extended period'
The perpetual misery of 2022/23 has been usurped by sprouting optimism at Chelsea heading into the new season.
The manager lauded as "magic" throughout his Tottenham tenure has quickly waved his wand in west London and imprinted his principles on a previously broken squad.
Mauricio Pochettino's rebuild will undoubtedly take time, but the initial signs are hugely promising with new arrivals Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson playing leading roles in pre-season.
However, Chelsea will start 2023/24 without Nkunku after the Frenchman picked up a knee injury in the Blues' pre-season draw with Borussia Dortmund.
When will Christopher Nkunku return from injury?
Nkunku was forced off midway through the first-half of Chelsea's friendly against Dortmund with what was described as apparent knee discomfort at the time.
There was initial hope that their new summer signing had avoided a major issue, although Pochettino was rather coy post-match. Following further assessment, it quickly became clear that Nkunku had sustained a pretty serious knee injury and Chelsea recently confirmed the former RB Leipzig star will miss the start of the 2023/24 season after undergoing surgery.
"Nkunku has sustained a knee injury which will rule the forward out for an extended period," the club wrote.
"The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club's medical department."
The 25-year-old is believed to have sustained meniscus damage to his left knee out in Chicago, and, as a result, could be out of action for up to three-and-a-half months. Chelsea fans might not see the Frenchman in action until the very end of 2023.
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Chelsea's pre-season
Chelsea enjoyed a hugely successful pre-season tour as they claimed victory in the inaugural Premier League Summer Series out in the US.
The Blues impressed against Brighton in a 4-3 win, eased past Fulham 2-0 and drew 1-1 with Newcastle to win the summer tournament.
Poch's side then remained in the country to face off against Borussia Dortmund at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, on Wednesday night. The Germans took a late lead through Marius Wolf before 19-year-old Mason Burstow snatched an 89th-minute equaliser.
It's not just the results, but the performances which have been hugely encouraging. While Chelsea were a tough watch in 2022/23, Pochettino's influence will certainly increase their watchability next season and beyond. The Argentine has already had a distinct impact.
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