Christopher Nkunku Knee Injury Update: Chelsea Star Substituted in 1st Half of Dortmund Friendly

• Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku suffered a knee injury against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday
• The 25-year-old picked up the injury in the opening minutes of the friendly match in Chicago
• The Blues salvaged a 1-1 draw against Dortmund after Mason Burstow scored a late equaliser

The injury bug has struck Chelsea once again.

Christopher Nkunku was forced off in the first half of the Blues' pre-season matchup against Borussia Dortmund with a knee injury.

The 25-year-old’s night ended prematurely after injuring his knee in the ninth minute from a Mat Hummels challenge inside the box.

What caused Nkunku's knee injury?

He jinxed past the Dortmund defender but fell heavy on the ground after making contact with the German centre-back.

No penalty was called on the play, much to Chelsea's disappointment. Nkunku managed to play on but not for long.

Christopher Nkunku Scores Debut Goal for Chelsea in Friendly Win Over Wrexham: Video

Football

He failed to reach the half-time break, as he had to be substituted in the 22nd minute after hitting the deck.

Chelsea’s physios rushed to the France international’s aid to give him treatment, per Talksport.

Unfortunately for the former RB Leipzig player, he was unable to continue as the worrisome Soldier Field pitch claimed its first victim. Mykhailo Mudryk replaced him in the contest.

Chelsea fans’ concerns grew even further as Nkunku was later seen with an ice pack around his injured left knee while watching the game from the bench.

Pochettino talks about Nkunku's injury

Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the knee issue when he spoke in a post-match interview, saying:

"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.”

FIFA Women's World Cup: Nnadozie Saves Penalty, Oshoala Caged As Nigeria vs Canada Ends in Draw

Football

Chelsea will be hoping Nkunku did not suffer a serious knee injury as he has already established himself as one of the key players under the new manager.

Messi scores twice vs Orlando

Sports Brief recently reported on Lionel Messi scoring a brace in Inter Miami's win over Orlando City SC.

The Argentine star opened the scoring in the seventh minute, firing a close-range volley past the Orlando City goalkeeper.

He doubled his tally in the 72nd minute with another volley goal, this time with his weaker right foot.