Christian Pulisic hands Chelsea major injury blow after Potter confirms lengthy lay-off

Chelsea have suffered a huge injury blow after Christian Pulisic was confirmed to be sidelined for several months, head coach Graham Potter confirmed.

The 24-year-old was forced off in the first half of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last Thursday and Potter confirmed the winger would likely be out for weeks as they waited to learn the full extent of his injury.

Potter confirmed on Sunday: “Christian opened up his knee in the game the other day, we’re still analysing it but it’s going to be weeks for him.”

But Chelsea’s hopes of Pulisic returning earlier than the initial timeline have been wiped after Potter delivered the bad news which sees their injury problems extend.

READ MORE: Joao Felix breaks Chelsea silence and reveals why he chose Stamford Bridge move

The USMNT star will be sidelined for several months, however Chelsea are hoping he can return earlier than Potter’s assessment of his injury.

Speaking ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham on Thursday, the 47-year-old said: “Christian is a couple of months, we think, hopefully a little less.

READ MORE: Joao Felix’s Chelsea shirt number revealed after completing loan move

Chelsea will welcome back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following a tight back, while Raheem Sterling remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Potter added: “Pierre is fine, so will be in squad. Raheem less (than Pulisic), but still evaluating the extent. Ruben and Ben Chilwell getting closer, Reece was out on grass on his own.

“N’Golo is training on his own but a long way to go.”