Chelsea may sign four stars to replace Nkunku as familiar face Joao Felix wanted

Chelsea: The Blues may have to replace Christopher Nkunku. (Image: Getty/Express Sport) Chelsea have been dealt a massive blow just days before the new Premier League season as Christopher Nkunku faces months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. The French forward, a £53m signing from RB Leipzig this summer, was injured in their pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund and faces a significant period in the physio room, with Mauricio Pochettino now considering replacements. Chelsea confirmed the 25-year-old will be out for an ‘extended period’ after undergoing surgery to fix the issue with his knee. It represents a blow for the forward, who bagged three goals in pre-season and looked generally impressive.  There may be some regret at Stamford Bridge that the club decided not to take up the option to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal after his decent loan spell. The Portuguese netted five times in his five months in west London, but Pochettino turned down the chance to add him to his squad this summer. Now there is a certain clamour for the 24-year-old as Chelsea face the prospect of going several months without Nkunku. But instead of turning to a familiar face, the Argentinian boss has four other targets to look at – Express Sport runs the rule over which players could take Nkunku’s place in the team. Rayan Cherki: The 19-year-old has been linked with Chelsea this summer. (Image: Getty) The last time Chelsea signed a youngster from Lyon, their new right-back Malo Gusto, it didn’t go too badly. And the chances of the Blues raiding the Ligue 1 club again are only going to increase after Nkunku’s injury. Cherki is only 19 but has already established himself as a regular at Lyon and, with it, is seen as a huge talent for the future. The French youngster is capable with both feet and can play anywhere behind the striker in attacking midfield. Chelsea’s interest in Cherki has somewhat died down as they focus on deals for Elye Wahi, Tyler Adams and Moises Caicedo. But the need for a talented playmaker is now more urgent than before – and Cherki could jump at the chance to join the growing pool of French talent at Stamford Bridge. Gabri Veiga: The playmaker scored 11 goals last season. (Image: Getty) Paulo Dybala: Chelsea missed the chance to sign him for £10.6m. (Image: Getty) Speculation refuses to go away that Olise could be swapping south London for west as the former Chelsea academy graduate may be tempted by the offer to return to his roots. The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine season for the Eagles last year in the creative sense, registering 11 assists from the wide right. Although not normally considered a No 10, Olise has the technical ability and passing range to float in those central areas akin to how Nkunku operates. Valued at around £35m by his club, the France Under-21 international would offer a long-term option for the club rather than Dybala and his versatility means he could also play in the wide areas. Manchester City’s interest may complicate matters though, especially after Riyad Mahrez’s transfer to Al-Alhi.