CHELSEA’S preparations for the new season have been dealt a huge blow after new signing Christopher Nkunku was ruled out with injury.
The summer addition from RB Leipzig sustained a knee injury during Chelsea’s American tour in the game with Borussia Dortmund last week.
And today it was confirmed the attacker faces a spell on the sidelines, handing new manager Mauricio Pochettino an unwanted problem before a ball has even been kicked in the Premier League.
“Nkunku has sustained a knee injury which will rule the forward out for an extended period,” a statement on the Chelsea website read.
“The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.”
A report in the Guardian subsequently went on to add Nkunku is now set to go under the surgeon’s knife and will be out of action for just over three months.
Chelsea are hoping to strengthen their attack before the Liverpool game on Sunday by snapping up Brazilian youngster Deivid Washington from Santos.
It isn’t clear yet if the 18-year-old will feature for the Londoners this season once the £16million deal is completed or go out on loan, but Santos’ President says the switch from the Brazilian side looks set to go ahead.
“The move is well underway,” he revealed to De Olho No Peixe.
“I prefer to talk about a player the moment he signs the contract, but I should say he is well on his way.”
Meanwhile, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber says the Seagulls will “see what happens” as Chelsea continue to pursue long-term target Moises Caicedo.
Pochettino’s side are believed to have already had a trio of bids rebuffed by the south coast outfit, who are determined to get up to £100m for their star midfielder.
Barber said to Sky Sports: “For a young player like Moises at 21, he’s probably one of the best midfield players in the world already at his age, and we’ve had a fantastic time working with him.
“And we want it to continue, we’ve got him under a long contract.
“We’re also realistic to know there is interest in him.
“As a young man, that interest is inevitably going to have an impact on your thought process and unsettle you a little bit. We understand that.
“But for now, he’s a Brighton player, he’s under contract.
“We expect him to work hard, prepare for the new season and we’ll see what happens as the window goes on.”
