Chelsea have confirmed a grim and worrying update on the injury condition of Carney Chukwuemeka amid the club’s deepening injury crisis.
Carney Chukwuemeka starred for the Blues, netting the equaliser against West Ham at London Stadium on Premier League matchday two.
The former Aston Villa youngster flashed his brilliance and athletic prowess when he picked the ball on the left corner of the West Ham box and dribbled pass Tomas Soucek before firing a bending strike pass Alphonse Areola to cancel out Aguerd’s 7th minute header.
The match ended with a shock defeat for Chelsea but it was a brilliant outing for Chukwuemeka, who netted the visitors’ only goal although he ended up with an injury.
Carney Chukwuemeka picked up a knee issue and had to be subbed off with Mykhailo Mudryk coming on in his place.
After the game, he was spotted in crutches at London Stadium sparking reactions the youngster might be set for a long spell on the sidelines.
Reacting to the injury blow, Carney Chukwuemeka took to his social media handle to thank his fans for the support and love while offering assurances he will be back stronger from the ‘minor setback.’
“Minor setback but I will be back stronger than ever. Thank you Chelsea fans for your love and support. See you soon.”
While speculations continue to mount on Chukwuemeka’s injury condition, Chelsea have confirmed he has undergone a successful surgery on the injury and is ready to work with the club’s medical staff at Cobham for his rehabilitation.
“Carney Chukwuemeka sustained an injury to his left knee during our game against West Ham United on Sunday. Last night Carney underwent surgery and will now begin his recovery. The 19-year-old will work with the club’s medical department on his rehabilitation at Cobham,” Chelsea club statement reads.
Chelsea have not revealed the timeline for Carney Chukwuemeka’s return. Sky Sports reports Chukwuemeka could be out for at least six weeks before returning to action.
Carney Chukwuemeka’s injury will come as a big blow to Mauricio Pochettino’s revamped Chelsea squad. He started Chelsea’s first two Premier League matches under Mauricio Pochettino and made 14 Premier League appearances for the club last term.
The England youngster got the nod in Chelsea squad ahead of the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and was tipped to be an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea first team this season.
Some slight alterations is expected in Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking lineup due to Carney’s injury. Mykhailo Mudryk will be expected to step into the void and partner with former Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson and former Manchester City forward, Raheem Sterling on Chelsea’s attack.
Chelsea’s deepening injury crisis
Following Carney Chukwuemeka’s injury, Chelsea have now lost eight players to injury with Westley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Reece James being the latest names on the list.
Also, on the club’s injury list is Marcus Bettinelli, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Armando Broja.
Armando Broja is reportedly nearing his return to action since he picked up the injury last term while the rest are undergoing rehabilitation.
Chelsea are winless in their two opening matches in the season. They will host Luton in their next Premier League clash this weekend. Mauricio Pochettino will be under pressure to secure his first Premier League win.
Despite the injury scourge, the former PSG manager have enough legs after Todd Boehly’s summer splurge to grind out a win against the new-ly promoted side, who are also winless in their first two matches.
