Chelsea have been handed a major injury scare heading into the new Premier League season.
Christopher Nkunku was forced off against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago, and any sort of lengthy absence for the Frenchman would be a significant blow for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The new Chelsea boss is already without defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile as the focus now turns to the visit of Liverpool on August 13 to begin the League campaign.
Here is your latest update of Chelsea injuries and return dates...
Christopher Nkunku
Chelsea’s pre-season tour to the USA came to an end in frustrating fashion as Nkunku was forced off with a knee injury.
The Frenchman was replaced after just 20 minutes against Borussia Dortmund, the poor surface in Chicago not helping as Nkunku injured his left knee when challenging Mats Hummels.
“He feels something in his knee but hopefully it is not a big issue and he can be quick with the team,” Pochettino said after the match. “Now we need a few days to assess him and until we get back to London it is difficult to know.”
Nkunku faces a race to be fit for the start of the Premier League season, with Chelsea at home to Liverpool on August 13 to kick off their campaign.
Wesley Fofana
Fofana is set to be out for several months after undergoing surgery on a ruptured ACL.
The defender did not travel with the squad to the USA due to an injury concern and the bad news was then confirmed, with the 22-year-old suffering the latest in a long line of serious setbacks.
Pochettino has said he “hopes” Fofana returns before the end of the season, but that is in doubt.
Benoit Badiashile
Badiashile picked up a hamstring injury at the end of last season, one that Chelsea confirmed would keep him out for an “extended period”.
The 22-year-old has remained at Cobham to continue his recovery and is believed to be nearing a return to individual training.
It is unlikely that Badiashile is ready for the start of the season, but Chelsea will hope to have him back before the international break at the start of September.
Noni Madueke
A tight hamstring has kept Madueke out of pre-season so far, with the winger returning to training ahead of the Dortmund match but not risked by Pochettino.
Madueke was involved with England’s success at the Under-21 European Championship earlier this summer and so Chelsea are being cautious with his fitness.
He has work to do to build up his match fitness, but Madueke is likely to be in contention for the Premier League opener against Liverpool.
