Chelsea have confirmed that Christopher Nkunku has undergone surgery on a knee injury which will rule him out for a significant period.
Nkunku, a £52m signing from RB Leipzig this summer, went down during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund and initial optimism over his injury soon turned to despair when it became apparent surgery was required.
A statement read: “Nkunku has sustained a knee injury which will rule the forward out for an extended period.
“The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.”
According to the Daily Mail, Nkunku will be out for over three months, and is unlikely to step foot on the pitch before December.
It represents a huge blow for the Blues, who spent £52million to sign the Frenchman this summer.
The Blues are now left with an alarming lack of options up front, with new signing Nicolas Jackson likely to lead the line against Liverpool on Sunday.