CHELSEA transfer target Christopher Nkunku has suffered a setback in his injury battle.
The Red Bull Leipzig striker has been told he has damaged ligaments in his left knee and will be out until the new year.
Nkunku, 24, has been hoping to secure a £56 million move to Stamford Bridge next summer and even underwent a secret medical in the summer.
But now he may need surgery and could be sidelined for six to eight weeks even before he begins training to regain full fitness.
RB Leipzig said: “There are different options to treat this kind of injury.”
Nkunku got injured in a training session with the France team and had to pull out of their defending champions’ squad.
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The attacker immediately showed his discomfort, sitting on the ground and shaking his hand at the pain.
It is a blow for Chelsea too after they reached an agreement in principle with Leipzig to sign Nkunku.
The France star has a release clause of around £53million in his contract.
But the Blues have reportedly negotiated his price down and could complete the deal next summer.
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Boehly was very keen on signing Nkunku and used the advanced medical as a show of determination.
The attacking midfielder also had interest from PSG but it seems Chelsea are favourites to wrap up a transfer.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk