Tiemoue
Bakayoko was pictured at Chelsea's training ground on Monday morning as he
introduced himself to his new team-mates following a £40million move from
Monaco. The
22-year-old looked primed and ready for action from the ankles up as he donned
his Chelsea training gear, but the choice of flip flops made it clear he was
not in Cobham to take part in passing drills.
That did not
stop him from making small talk with the likes of Andreas Christensen and the
like as he shook hands with the players before making his exit on one of the
groundsmen's buggies.
Antonio
Conte made Bakayoko the second most expensive player in Chelsea's comprehensive
spending history to bring him to Stamford Bridge despite the fact he has just
one senior cap for France and just 63 Ligue 1 appearances to his name.
There was
also concern that Bakayoko would not be fit in time for the new season after
undergoing surgery on a troublesome knee problem earlier this summer, which is
exactly why he was unable to train on Monday morning.
The imposing
midfielder is expected sit out the next six weeks to allow the injury to fully
recover meaning he is likely to miss every pre-season fixture as well as the
Community Shield opener against Arsenal.
That is seen
as only a minor hiccup for the reigning Premier League champions, as they see
Bakayoko as a key member of the team for many years to come.
'Tiemoue was
outstanding as Monaco emerged as one of Europe’s best sides last season and we
are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea,' said Michael Emenalo upon his
arrival.
'Despite his
young age he already has plenty of experience as a French title winner and
having competed in the latter stages of the Champions League, we believe he
will add considerable quality to our squad.'
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