Mauricio Pochettino Optimistic about Christopher Nkunku’s Injury, Hopes it is not Serious

Boss Pochettino Hopes Injury to Nkunku Isn’t Serious as Chelsea Ends US Tour Undefeated

Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, expressed his concern over an injury suffered by forward Christopher Nkunku during their pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund. Despite the injury setback, Chelsea managed to secure a draw with a late equalizer from Mason Burstow and concluded their successful US tour.

The £52 million signing, Nkunku, had to be substituted in the 22nd minute after appearing to injure his knee during a tackle. Pochettino is hopeful that it won’t be a major issue but mentioned that medical staff will assess him once they return to London.

Pitch Conditions Raise Concerns at Soldier Field Stadium

The pitch at Chicago’s Soldier Field was heavily criticized for its poor condition during the match. The playing surface appeared patchy and worn due to hosting an Ed Sheeran concert attended by over 73,000 people just days before the game. This raised questions about player safety and highlighted potential risks associated with multi-purpose venues.

Unlucky Situations Happen on Imperfect Pitch

Pochettino acknowledged that there is always some level of risk associated with playing on imperfect pitches, especially when they are used for various sports. However, he refused to blame the pitch for Nkunku’s injury, considering it as bad luck instead.

Match Highlights and Chances

Chelsea had the better chances in the first half, with Nicolas Jackson coming close to scoring after being fouled in the penalty area. Levi Colwill also missed a golden opportunity to put Chelsea ahead when he shot over the bar from inside the six-yard box.

In the second half, Chelsea continued their attacking display as Jackson fired over and Carney Chukwuemeka saw his shot blocked on the line. However, Dortmund managed to take the lead through Marius Wolf’s close-range finish in the 80th minute.

It was not until stoppage time that Chelsea found an equalizer. Burstow headed home Enzo Fernandez’s assist from a Mykhailo Mudryk free kick, ensuring Chelsea remained undefeated throughout their US tour.

Premier League Opener Awaits

The Blues will now turn their attention towards their upcoming Premier League campaign where they face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 13th. The match against Dortmund served as valuable preparation for Frank Lampard’s team as they aim to make a strong start in their quest for domestic success.