Mauricio
Pochettino confirmed striker Christopher Nkunku suffered a knee injury in
Chelsea's final pre-season friendly as they drew 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund.
Nkunku, a £52m addition from RB Leipzig this summer, had impressed with
three goals during the club's tour of the USA but came off after just 20
minutes at Soldier Field.
The 25-year-old will need to be assessed further by the Chelsea medical
staff and Pochettino was not prepared to blame the playing surface, which is
usually used for NFL matches, for the setback.
"The doctors are checking him and I hope it is not a big issue. He fell in
the action which was maybe a penalty and he feels something in his knee but
we hope it is nothing big," said Pochettino.
"We hope he can be back quickly with the team. We need a few days to assess
him.
"We took some risks because the pitch is not perfect because the facilities
are used for a different sport. We won't blame the pitch for the injury
though. For me, it was bad luck."
How Chelsea ended pre-season unbeaten
Reece James captained Chelsea and was part of a back four that included
Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, and Levi Colwill, who signed a six-year contract
earlier in the day.
The Blues controlled the first half and saw Nicolas Jackson denied by
goalkeeper Alexander Meyer before Colwill was unable to convert from close
range at corner.
Nkunku left the pitch clutching his knee and was replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk
as Meyer saved from Chilwell and Raheem Sterling sent an effort wide.
Pochettino made no changes at the break although Dortmund took the lead
against the run of play with their first shot on target when Wolf turned
home from close range amid appeals for offside.
Kepa Arrizabalaga then had to push away a strike from the goalscorer before
19-year-old Mason Burstow made sure Chelsea ended pre-season unbeaten,
flicking in a header.
Chelsea's pre-season results
July 20: Chelsea 5-0 Wrexham
July 23: Chelsea 4-3 Brighton
July 27: Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle
July 30: Chelsea 2-0 Fulham
August 3: Chelsea 1-1 Dortmund
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