Chelsea will resolve whether or not to step up their pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic after striker Christopher Nkunku was dominated out for “an prolonged interval” following knee surgical procedure, sources have advised ESPN.
Nkunku, a €60 million ($65.7m) summer season signing from RB Leipzig, suffered the harm in Chicago throughout the Chelsea’ remaining preseason pleasant in opposition to Borussia Dortmund final week.
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The membership mentioned in a press release on Tuesday: “Nkunku has sustained a knee harm which is able to rule the ahead out for an prolonged interval.
“The 25-year-old has undergone an operation and can now start a rehabilitation programme with the membership’s medical division.”
Early indications are that Nkunku could possibly be sidelined for not less than three months — information that can come as a serious blow to new head coach Mauricio Pochettino as he appears to be like to make a optimistic begin to life at Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku was one in every of Chelsea’s higher performers throughout their tour of the USA, scoring thrice, as Pochettino appears to be like to rework a aspect which netted simply 38 targets in 38 Premier League video games final season.
Sources have advised ESPN the membership’s want for extra firepower could intensify their curiosity in Juventus ahead Vlahovic, who’s a part of difficult negotiations involving a transfer away from Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku.
Though Chelsea have curiosity in Lukaku from Saudi Arabia, the Belgium striker desires to return to Italy. Juventus are keen to dump Vlahovic in a swap deal, sources advised ESPN, however the golf equipment are far aside of their valuations of the 2 gamers.
Chelsea need round €46m for Lukaku whereas Juventus have quoted €80m for Vlahovic. Pochettino is regarded as eager on Vlahovic, who has scored 23 targets in 63 video games for Juventus since transferring from Fiorentina in January 2022.
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