Sterling and Jackson send Nkunku message as Chelsea receives major injury boost
Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson have shown their support for Christopher Nkunku, who has issued a major update on his road to recovery. The 25-year-old forward was dealt a blow to his knee during Chelsea’s final pre-season clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Nkunku has since undergone an operation and he has now stepped up his rehabilitation with the Blues’ medical department. It’s believed that the France international will be out of action for several months, handing Chelsea a major blow to their hopes of securing a Champions League qualification place this term.
Mauricio Pochettino has certainly missed Nkunku, with the west Londoners looking a shadow of the side which ran riot in the United States earlier this summer. Speaking to the press ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Liverpool on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, the former Tottenham boss said: “We feel very sorry about him.
“He was very important for us. Now it’s about not thinking too much about the injuries and being positive about when he can be back with us as soon as possible.”
With Nkunku out of action, Chelsea proceeded to sign Cole Palmer from Manchester City. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has enjoyed brief cameos off the bench since arriving at Stamford Bridge but – once he’s up to speed – he’s expected to eventually play a starring role in the Frenchman’s absence.
Once Nkunku returns – which could be sometime in the winter – Palmer will face tough competition for a place in the starting lineup. The England Under-21 international will have to get his skates on because the former RB Leipzig star’s latest post on Instagram suggests that he could be back sooner rather than later.
“In progress…*Hourglass timer emoji*” Nkunku wrote. The Chelsea ace posted a selection of pictures of himself lifting weights in the gym, in the swimming pool and undergoing a medical test.
Unsurprisingly, thousands of fans flooded the comment section with messages of support – but three in particular stood out. Sterling, Jackson and Maatsen offered their support with heartwarming messages which were compiled with fire and praying emojis.
