4 appearances, only 1 small start, 152 minutes of play played for 1 goal. Here is the sad record displayed by Christopher Nkunku (26 years old) since his arrival at Chelsea, tenth in the Premier League. Sold for 60 million euros by RB Leipzig, the native of Lagny-sur-Marne – who wasted no time in proving the full extent of his talent during the pre-season – has since had a series of disappointments. Hit in the left knee during a disputed friendly match at the beginning of August against Borussia Dortmund (1-1), the French international finally had to resolve to undergo surgery.
“Nkunku is suffering from a knee injury which will rule him out for a long time. The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation program with the club’s medical department., announced, with this in mind, the London club. On the sidelines for more than five months, the person concerned logically could not hide his joy at the time of his return to competition against Crystal Palace on December 27. Involved in the first goal during the Blues’ victory (2-1), the player trained at PSG then brought a breath of fresh air to Mauricio Pochettino’s collective.
After the World Cup, Nkunku could miss Euro 2024…
“It was tough to suffer this injury at the start of the season. I worked hard to come back. Today, I am happy, and I have confidence in the future”, recognized Nkunku a few minutes after the success against the Eagles. Unfortunately for him, the optimism displayed that day preceded another terrible snub. Absent again during his team’s victory against Preston, the 1m77 right-hander seems to be suffering from hip pain today. Present this Friday at a press conference before welcoming Fulham as part of the 21st day, the Argentine Blues technician did not hide his pessimism.
“I’m a little worried about Christopher Nkunku. We don’t know what will happen. Of course, I’m worried because, even today, he hasn’t been able to train for ten days. We evaluate it”, conceded the former PSG coach, in total confusion about his protégé. One thing is certain and while waiting to know more about the exact nature of the embarrassment encountered by Nkunku and his potential unavailability, the Frenchman’s case is starting to seriously worry. Already absent during the World Cup organized in Qatar, the man with 10 caps with the Blues is no longer able to continue. Six months before Euro 2024 in Germany, it is therefore another big blow to manage in his attempt to find the France team…
