According to Sevilla, Chelsea target Jules Kounde will have to undergo surgery on Tuesday to solve a long-term fitness problem.

In Monday’s 1-0 loss to Croatia, the centre-back played on the right side of France’s defense but was taken off at halftime, with Didier Deschamps subsequently stating that Kounde was not fully fit.

While rumours have it that Kounde had a hamstring injury, Sevilla issued a statement revealing that the 23-year-old has been struggling from minor discomfort in his groin and will travel to Bordeaux for a surgery that has been scheduled for a few weeks.

🏥 @jkeey4 will undergo a planned operation in Bordeaux today.

We wish you a speedy recovery, Jules! 💪

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) June 14, 2022

The Spanish team also disclosed that Kounde will be fit to start the 2022/23 season if everything goes according to plan, albeit where he will play yet to be certain.

“I knew very well his physical condition. Tomorrow, he will have surgery because he has a problem which dates back several months.” – Deschamps told L’Equipe.

Chelsea are looking to strengthen their defensive line with Kounde at the top of their wish list and obviously, the feeling is said to be mutual, with the Frenchman also ready to make a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Considering Barcelona’s interest in the defender, it is likely that Chelsea will win the race to secure the services of Kounde later this summer.

Chelsea are still on course to sign Jules Kounde despite alarming comments with the France national team. 🤕

Surgery is minor but needed. He hopes to make pre-season. Both Chelsea and Sevilla were aware of the situation.

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) June 14, 2022

Kounde is aiming to take his career to a higher level, according to Sevilla director Jose Maria Cruz de Andres.

If the Blues and Sevilla agree on a fee, they will have to examine Kounde’s fitness issue during his medical, although the Spanish side does not appear to foresee any complications as a result of the surgery.

𝑳𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕? 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒙!