Revealed: Chelsea coaches gutted at shattering Nkunku blow
The continued absence of Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is seen as a devastating blow by the club's coaches, sources have told Football Insider.
Scoring goals has been a real problem for Mauricio Pochettino's side so far in the 2023-24 campaign, with summer signing Nicolas Jackson currently leading the line for the Blues.
Chelsea have picked up just five points from a possible 18 so far this term following their 1-0 loss against Aston Villa on Sunday (24 September).
Nevertheless, the Blues are set to stick by new manager Pochettino - who was given an influx of new signings costing a reported £400million in the summer window.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (25 September) that the Argentine is not yet under any real sack pressure at Chelsea despite their poor start to the season.
One of those big-money signings is Nkunku - but he is yet to play competitively for the London club.
The France international's injury has been identified by club chiefs and coaches as a shattering blow for Chelsea's season.
The former RB Leipzig star, who cost a reported £52million, suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season preparations just days out from the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
He had surgery on the problem and is expected to be on the treatment table until the end of the year.
Nkunku notched 23 goals and nine assists for Leipzig last season while playing in various attacking roles.
Jackson has led the line for Chelsea following his summer arrival but has scored just once and is now suspended for one game after accruing five yellow cards.
Pochettino's side have managed just five goals in six league games despite spending mega-money on talent in the summer window.
The Blues are next in action against Fulham next week (2 October).