Christopher Nkunku injury: How long is Chelsea forward out in 2023? Timeline, and potential games missed

Chelsea have suffered a late blow ahead of the 2023/24 season as Christopher Nkunku has surgery following a knee injury.

Mauricio Pochettino is preparing for his return to the Premier League after he was announced as the new manager of the Blues at the end of the 22/23 campaign. His side went unbeaten in preseason, winning three of their five games.

The club have continued to spend under Todd Boehly this summer, bringing in the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi and Robert Sanchez. They are also pursuing Moises Caicedo to bolster their midfield.

The Sporting News looks at the details of Nkunku's injury and how it will affect the team.

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How long is Christopher Nkunku out for?

Nkunku suffered the injury in the first half of their final preseason fixture against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago, USA.

Chelsea released an official statement on their website which stated: "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."

Journalist Matt Law reported that Nkunku could be sidelined for 16 weeks as he looks to recover from the knee injury without causing further complications. The forward is the second Chelsea player to pick up an injury in preseason, after Wesley Fofana was ruled out for the majority of the season with an ACL injury.

Christopher Nkunku underwent surgery on his knee this morning and is likely to be out for 16 weeks - three-and-a-half months - before he can resume training. Unlikely to play before December. #cfc

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 8, 2023

Christopher Nkunku injury history

Nkunku's injury is more worrying than many Chelsea fans may think. The France international had three different spells on the sidelines last season with RB Leipzig, one of which was caused by a torn knee ligament.

The forward only missed five games with the injury due to the World Cup break, but he was out from November until early-February. He then tore a muscle fibre late on in the season, causing him to miss a further six matches.

Here is Nkunku's injury history throughout his professional career:

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What games will Christopher Nkunku miss?

Pochettino is looking to guide Chelsea back into the European places in the Premier League, but the amount of money spent by Boehly will mean there's plenty of pressure on the former Tottenham and PSG manager.

Nkunku is set to miss quite a few big games for the Blues if his injury leaves him out of the squad until December. Chelsea's league campaign starts with a tough test against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal and Man City are both set to visit Chelsea during Nkunku's (potential) absence, while they also face Fulham and Tottenham in London derbies.