France boss Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde will undergo surgery after sustaining a hamstring injury against Croatia. It's believed that the procedure has been a long time coming, with the problem dating back 'several months.'
The 23-year-old is also said to have played through the injury before being pulled at half-time during the fourth and final instalment of UEFA Nations League fixtures. He registered his 55th appearance of the season across all competitions with a start against Croatia in what has been an impressive campaign that has further courted Chelsea's interest.
While Kounde's return date is currently unknown, his injury will come as a massive blow to the defender who looked primed for a move to Stamford Bridge. Speaking to Foot Mercato after Les Bleus' 1-0 loss to Croatia, Deschamps confirmed the proposed operation: "I know very well his athletic condition today. Tomorrow, he will have an intervention (surgical) because he has a problem that dates from several months ago."
