Chelsea transfer target Christopher Nkunku may face a race against time to be fit by the end of January as the France star sees his winter window move put in doubt.
The 25-year-old has a pre-agreement to join Chelsea in 2023, but Todd Boehly is keen to try and move that forward to January in a bid to secure the deal ahead of other European powerhouses and also to strengthen the squad available to Graham Potter in the second half of the season.
Nkunku, who was part of Didier Deschamps' 26-man France squad for the World Cup in Qatar, has been withdrawn from the tournament following an injury in training less than one week before Les Bleus kick off their campaign.
READ MORE : Mason Mount and eight more deals Todd Boehly must make to avoid Marina Granovskaia Chelsea error
The RB Leipzig forward appeared to buckle when stretching for a ball earlier this week and immediately fell to the ground holding his knee in pain. He was then helped up by teammates and staff before hobbling away off the pitch with the support of others.
France confirmed that the injury was serious enough to mean he wouldn't be able to play in Qatar with Frankfurt attacker Randal Kolo Muani called up in his place. The initial prognosis was that it was a knee sprain, but Bild in Germany report that it is actually more serious.
They write that Nkunku could be out for as many as 10 weeks with a torn outer ligament. Chelsea already have Reece James and Wesley Fofana out with knee injuries, but both are expected to be available for the return of domestic action for Potter's side on December 27.
If the 10 week return date is correct - it could fluctuate and more checks from Leipzig's own team will confirm - then he might yet be able to play in January, but it could put Chelsea's attempts to bring him to SW6 earlier than the summer at bay.
READ NEXT:
James return, Fofana question - Chelsea's best XI if Potter refines new shape in World Cup break
Eden Hazard dream and Antonio Rudiger regret: Former Chelsea players involved in World Cup
Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek may face anxious World Cup wait amid England injury issue
Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
