A statement from Chelsea about Christopher Nkunku’s injury.

Christopher Nkunku had to have surgery after being removed from the field during Chelsea’s final exhibition game against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago.

Nkunku has a knee injury that will keep the forward out for a while, according to an update from Chelsea on Tuesday. After having surgery, the 25-year-old will start a rehabilitation regimen with the club’s medical staff.

Nkunku would wear No. 18 for the 2023–24 season, as was previously announced, although Blues fans will have to wait to watch their summer acquisition play in the Premier League. Nkunku had demonstrated that he was going to play a significant part in the upcoming season by scoring three goals in the preseason.