Chelsea’s teenage signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan flies out to Los Angeles for knee surgery

Chelsea’s new teenage signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan has suffered a major blow after being forced to fly to the United States to undergo knee surgery.

The 17-year-old enjoyed a special day last month when his £6m move from Southampton to Stamford Bridge was confirmed, but will now have to deal with a setback after an injury was flagged at his medical, according to Gianluca Say Marzio. website.

Morgan uploaded a photo of himself on board a plane, appearing to be in good spirits as he wore a “peace” emoji and the American flag as he sat in his seat before the start of takeoff.

The youngster will travel to Los Angeles for his surgery, which will take place on Friday, Di Marzio’s site adds, and the player faces three months out after undergoing surgery.

After bringing Morgan to the club, Chelsea’s head of recruitment and youth development Jim Fraser was quick to praise his skills and future prospects.

New Chelsea teenage signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan traveled to the US to undergo knee surgery

The 17-year-old uploaded a photo of himself boarding a plane with the American flag on it.

“By signing Jimmy-Jay, we have added a player with good potential to our Academy teams,” he said.

“His ability marks him out as an exciting striker and we are delighted that he has chosen Chelsea for this next important stage in his development.”

There was hope Morgan would sign a new deal with Premier League contenders Southampton, however the player was keen to seal a deal once he learned Chelsea were interested.

Morgan had initially turned down a re-contract offer from his old team, however Southampton quickly cashed in once it became apparent the striker was itching to go.

Morgan previously turned down a new contract at Premier League fighters Southampton

The deal progressed quickly once Graham Potter’s side identified the 17-year-old as a potential target, with Morgan signing a long-term deal with the five-time Premier League champions.

He returns to London having been part of the club’s academy at a young age before deciding to move to St Mary’s, where he spent his most formative years.

Morgan trained with senior professionals and was on the bench for first-team cup matches at his previous club this season, but was unable to make his professional debut for Southampton.

He’s tallied six goals and five assists in 13 appearances for the Saints’ youth team this season and hopes to get back on track when he recovers.