Mauricio Pochettino provides Christopher Nkunku update after Borussia Dortmund injury scare

Christopher Nkunku was forced off the pitch after just 22 minutes of the match against Borussia Dortmund at Soldier Field in Chicago

Mauricio Pochettino hopes that Christopher Nkunku’s issue is not serious after the Blues’ star was forced off with an injury in the first half of Chelsea’s clash with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.

 

The Frenchman went down after not making too large an attempt to claim a pass from Nicolas Jackson and appeared to suffer a knee issue. It is difficult not to link the issue with the condition of the pitch at Soldier Field which was in subpar condition following an Ed Sheeran concert the weekend before the game.

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Nkunku first received treatment on the bench until half-time but did not seem to reappear after half-time. However, come the culmination of the match he was seen walking without an ice pack.

He said: “The doctors are checking him hopefully it is not a big issue but when he fell in the action maybe it was a penalty. Had the chance to score. But he feels something in his knee but hopefully it is not a big issue and that he can be quick with the team. Now we need a few days to assess him and until we get back to London it is difficult to know.”

The Blues boss did not want to blame any issue with the pitch however, and instead put the injury down to poor luck.

He added: “I didn’t see the action but it not about to complaining. Always we take some risks because the pitch is not perfect because they are using it for different sports and that is sometimes the risk of the tour, yes. But I think it was a bit unlucky in the situation but we cannot complain about the pitch and to blame the pitch for why he suffered the injury. For me it was bad luck.”