Topics: Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea, Liverpool, English Premier League
The highly-rated attacker will be out for three-and-a-half to four months after damaging the attacker the meniscus in his knee during the recent draw with Dortmund.

Chelsea kick off their 2023-24 Premier League campaign in five days but things have unfortunately gone from bad to worse for the Blues as one marquee signing has been ruled out due to an injury.

That man is Christopher Nkunku, the highly-rated French attacker who suffered a knee injury in the club's recent preseason friendly against Dortmund. The former RB Leipzig ace, who scored four times for his new club during the preseason, is now expected to miss a huge portion of the upcoming campaign.

According to the Guardian, the attacker damaged the meniscus in his knee early on in the Dortmund showdown. The "dreadful" quality of the Soldier Field pitch that day, where the friendly took place, played a part in this injury.

Chelsea initially hoped that the player would be out for a few weeks. However, the club later confirmed that the Frenchman has undergone surgery.

The Telegraph predicted a three-month layoff for the versatile attacker while other outlets suggest a 16-week (three and a half months) absence. If true, this will be a huge blow for Chelsea, who kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on August 13, as their new signing would likely be out until December.

Pochettino's side are already short on midfielders, with the London giants eyeing moves for Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Leeds ace Tyler Adams. This long layoff for Nkunku could force the club to enter the market for a new attacker. Dusan Vlahovic has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge move, with Romelu Lukaku tipped to head in the opposite direction.

As mentioned earlier, the Blues get things underway with an exciting showdown with Liverpool. Both sides appear woefully unprepared for the upcoming campaign due to the lack of midfield reinforcements, but Chelsea's latest injury makes things infinitely worse for the hosts. Fans in the USA can catch this upcoming clash on Peacock. Click here for worldwide broadcast listings for Chelsea vs Liverpool.