‘Doctors are checking him’ – Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino provides update on Christopher Nkunku’s knee injury
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku suffered a knee injury in Chelsea’s 1-1 pre-season draw against Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old had to be substituted in the 22nd minute at Soldier Field in Chicago, where he was replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk.
Playing on a shocking pitch, Nkunku fell to the ground after being challenged by Mats Hummels in the box. He managed to continue for over ten minutes but eventually had to be taken off the field. Club doctors provided treatment to the France international, but it is uncertain when he will return to play.
Pochettino provided an update on Nkunku’s injury, stating that the doctors are assessing him and hoping it is not a major issue. He fell during the action against Hummels, which could have been a penalty, and felt something in his knee. However, they are optimistic that it is not a serious injury and hope he can rejoin the team soon.
The condition of the pitch was not blamed for Nkunku’s injury, with Pochettino considering it as bad luck. Despite the risks taken due to the imperfect pitch, he emphasized that they won’t attribute the injury to it.
Nkunku has been a standout player for Chelsea in pre-season, scoring in matches against Wrexham, Brighton, and Fulham. However, his injury may cause him to miss the team’s first Premier League game against Liverpool on August 13.
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English Premier League football club Chelsea have issued a statement from their manager Mauricio Pochettino regarding the recent knee injury of midfielder Christopher Nkunku.
The French star injured his knee during the club’s recent 2-1 victory over Lille in the UEFA Champions League earlier this month.
In a statement to the press, Pochettino said: “The doctors are currently checking him over and we will have to wait to find out the full extent of the injury.”
The 22 year old has been a key instrumental part of the first team this season, appearing 14 times in all competitions and scoring on two occasions. He has also provided two assists.
The injury is expected to keep the player sidelined for a number of weeks and his absence is a blow to the team’s hopes of challenging for the Premier League and Champions League titles this season.
Pochettino is now planning on rotating his squad to find adequate replacements for Nkunku in the midfield. He has already made some changes to the starting eleven by playing 21 year old Mason Mount and 24 year old Ross Barkley in midfield.
The manager expressed his concern for the injured player and said: “We are monitoring his situation closely and hope to have him back in action soon.”
The club will have to wait for the results of the medical tests to determine when Nkunku will be fit to return to action. Until then, their focus is on continuing their impressive form in the Premier League as they look to stay ahead of their rivals in the table.