According to the Guardian via GOAL, Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku will face months on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during pre-season.

Nkunku suffered a knee injury in the 22nd minute of Chelsea’s final pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago following a challenge from Mat Hummels.

Initial reports suggested Nkunku will be out for weeks rather than months but the Guardian claim the France international will be out for months as he will require a knee surgery.

An extended layoff for Nkunku, who can play as an attacking midfielder or second striker, increases the pressure on Chelsea to sign a new attacker this month.