Christopher Nkunku Set for Short-Term Injury Layoff, Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca Confirms

Christopher Nkunku Set for Brief Spell on Sidelines, Confirms Enzo Maresca

Chelsea’s attacking options have been hit with another setback, as head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that forward Christopher Nkunku will be out for 10 to 15 days due to a muscle injury. The news comes just after a commanding 3-1 victory over Liverpool, where Nkunku was notably absent from the squad.

Injury Strikes Again for Nkunku

Nkunku’s latest injury occurred during training, prompting his exclusion from the Blues' UEFA Conference League semi-final first-leg clash with Djurgården in Stockholm earlier this week. The French forward is said to have picked up a minor muscle problem that, although not severe, requires him to take a short recovery period away from action.

Speaking after the match, Maresca assured fans that the injury is not overly serious, but it does mean the 25-year-old will miss Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures. "We expect him to be out for about 10 to 15 days," Maresca confirmed, adding that it is a precautionary measure to ensure Nkunku returns to full fitness before stepping back onto the pitch.

Nkunku's Chelsea Struggles Continue

This injury is the latest in a series of fitness challenges for Nkunku since his summer transfer to Stamford Bridge. While the Frenchman has shown glimpses of his potential, injuries have kept him from maintaining the consistent form that Chelsea hoped for when securing his services. Having struggled to shake off previous setbacks, this latest issue raises questions about his ability to stay fit for the long haul.

Nkunku’s inability to fully break into the squad has been a topic of concern for both fans and coaching staff alike. Despite his obvious talent and versatility, it’s clear that the former RB Leipzig star has yet to make the impact Chelsea supporters expected, with his progress continually stunted by these ongoing injury problems.

Looking Ahead: Chelsea's Forward Line

With Nkunku sidelined, Maresca and his coaching staff will be looking to other attacking options to carry the team forward in his absence. Players like Tyrique George, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto will be among those stepping into the breach to provide the creativity and firepower needed to continue Chelsea’s push for success across competitions.

This brief but significant absence could serve as an opportunity for others to shine, with Chelsea’s squad depth being put to the test once again. However, the Blues will be hoping that Nkunku’s time on the sidelines is as short as possible, with the forward’s return crucial to their offensive plans going forward.

As Chelsea navigates this injury crisis, the club will undoubtedly be hoping that Nkunku can overcome these persistent problems and return to the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after attacking talents. With just a few weeks to recover, it won’t be long before the Frenchman is back in the thick of the action, aiming to make his mark in the Premier League once again.