Christopher Nkunku, with a tally of 23 goals in 38 matches across all competitions for RB Leipzig the previous season, is a significant player
Manager Mauricio Pochettino expresses hope that the injury of striker Christopher Nkunku won’t turn out to be a “significant problem” following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund, marking the end of their undefeated pre-season US tour.
Chelsea’s Mason Burstow managed to equalize in the last minute of the game, following Marius Wolf’s lead for Dortmund in Chicago.
25-year-old Nkunku, a £52m acquisition, had to be substituted in the 22nd minute following a knee injury during a tackle.
Chicago’s Soldier Field pitch was in unsatisfactory condition. The turf appeared uneven and deteriorated after the stadium, which is the home ground of NFL’s Chicago Bears, hosted an Ed Sheeran concert that attracted 73,000 attendees the previous weekend.
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“Doctors are currently examining him,” Pochettino elaborated, suggesting that the tackle leading to Nkunku’s substitution “possibly” could have resulted in a penalty.
“He had a scoring opportunity but then felt something in his knee. We’re hopeful it’s not a major problem and he can rejoin the team quickly. It will take a few days to evaluate him and we won’t know for sure until we return to London.
“There’s always a certain risk involved since the pitch isn’t in the best condition due to its use for various sports, which is a typical hazard during tours.
“I believe the incident was unfortunate, but we can’t attribute his injury to the poor pitch condition. It’s just bad luck in my opinion.”
Chelsea had the most promising opportunities in the first half, with a shot by Nicolas Jackson saved by Alexander Meyer following Nkunku’s fall in the box.
Levi Colwill missed a scoring opportunity, shooting over the bar from close range after Thiago Silva redirected a Ben Chilwell pass.
Chelsea came back strong in the second half, with Jackson missing the target after receiving a high ball over Dortmund’s defense. Subsequently, Carney Chukwuemeka had a shot blocked on the line after sterling work from Raheem Sterling and Jackson.
Dortmund took the lead in the 80th minute when Wolf scored from short distance, redirecting Samuel Bamba’s shot.
Chelsea managed to level the score when Burstow netted a header inside the six-yard box, assisted by a header from Enzo Fernandez from Mykhailo Mudryk’s free kick.
Chelsea is set to kick off their Premier League season against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge next Sunday, 13th August.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Christopher Nkunku injury
What was the score in the Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund match?
The match between Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund ended in a 1-1 draw.
Who scored for Chelsea in the match against Borussia Dortmund?
Mason Burstow scored the equalizing goal for Chelsea in the 90th minute of the match against Borussia Dortmund.
What happened to Christopher Nkunku during the Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund match?
Christopher Nkunku, the £52m signing, was substituted in the 22nd minute of the match due to a knee injury that he sustained during a tackle.
Who is Christopher Nkunku and what was his performance last season?
Christopher Nkunku is a professional footballer who scored 23 goals in 38 matches in all competitions for RB Leipzig during the previous season.
When does Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign and against whom?
Chelsea will kick off their Premier League campaign against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 13th August.
More about Christopher Nkunku injury
- Chelsea FC Official Website
- Borussia Dortmund Official Website
- Premier League Official Website
- Latest Football News
- Football Injury Updates
6 comments
Soldier Field not in good shape? well thats what you get when footy is played on a field designed for handegg 😛
tough break for Nkunku, really hope he’s back soon. the guy’s got talent to burn!
Chelsea coming up against Liverpool next, cant wait. Its gonna be a banger! see you at the bridge, blues.
it’s a preseason match people, chill! the real deal starts soon, let’s see how these blues perform then
Wolf’s goal was a beauty! solid finish there, lookin forward to more from him this season.
I’m tellin ya, Burstow is the future of Chelsea. Clutch goal at the last minute!