Chelsea fans’ worst fears were confirmed as Christopher Nkunku suffered a suspected knee injury against Borussia Dortmund.
Supporters expressed their concern prior to the pre-season clash that a player could pick up a niggle due the shocking condition of the Soldier Field pitch.
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The Blues faithful would have been worried after Reece James went down grimacing following a heavy challenge.
But thankfully the right-back managed to carry on, though the same couldn’t be said for summer signing Nkunku.
The France international had initially gone down in the ninth minute inside the box where he was unlucky not to have won a penalty.
Nkunku jinxed past Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels, but fell heavy on the floor after appearing to be caught.
He eventually had to be replaced in the 22nd minute by Mykhailo Mudryk after hitting the deck.
The physios rushed to his aid to give him treatment, but the ex-RB Leipzig star – capable of playing anywhere in attack – was unable to continue as the pitch claimed its first victim.
Nkunku was later spotted with an ice pack around his left knee while watching on from the bench.
Since linking up with Chelsea earlier in the summer, Nkunku has already established himself as a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.
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He scored on his debut in the win against Wrexham before following that up with strikes in the victories over Brighton and Fulham.
But there is now doubt as to whether he will be available for Chelsea’s opening Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The west Londoners host the Reds at Stamford Bridge on August 13.
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