While Chelsea will be without Nkunku, the two players Liverpool will be without for their Premier League opener

Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea's recently signed striker, could miss the start of the Premier League season after suffering an injury in the final game of a pre-season tour of the United States. The France international was substituted midway through the first half of the 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago on Wednesday after collapsing on the pitch and touching his leg.

"He felt something in his knee," Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said. "The doctors are examining him and I hope it's nothing serious. We are confident he can rejoin the team soon. We need a few days to evaluate him," added the Argentine coach.

Nkunku, who arrived from Leipzig for £52 million ($67 million), was a regular starter in Chelsea's pre-season training camp. If he misses the start of the season, it would open the door for another reinforcement - Nicolas Jackson, formerly of Villarreal - up front. Chelsea open the Premiership season at home to Liverpool on 13 August.

<strong>Liverpool&#39;s absentees</strong>

Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without two players for Sunday's game. They are Spanish midfielder Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic, both of whom are still recovering from injuries sustained last season. This will force Jurgen Klopp to call on the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliot to complete the squad.