Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that forward Nicolas Jackson will be out for approximately six to eight weeks due to a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old sustained the injury during Chelsea’s clash with West Ham two weeks ago. While initial assessments suggested the Senegal international might have avoided a serious setback, subsequent scans revealed the extent of the damage was worse than expected.
Jackson has been a key player for the Blues this season, scoring nine goals and ranking as the team’s second-highest scorer, trailing only Cole Palmer, who has 14 goals.
This injury leaves Chelsea without a recognized number nine, as Marc Guiu, who came on for Jackson during the West Ham match, also suffered a significant groin injury in the same game.
“Nico [Jackson] will be out until the international break, probably available after the international break,” Maresca said.
“We knew it was a muscular problem, but not how important it was. His reaction was quite good, so we all thought it wasn’t a big injury.
“Unfortunately, he had the scan, and it is an important one – he will be out for around six to eight weeks.”
With Nicolas Jackson sidelined, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is exploring alternatives for the forward line. Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku are likely candidates to deputize, with Nkunku starting in Chelsea’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round loss to Brighton.
Additionally, wingers Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and Tyrique George have been highlighted as potential options by Maresca as the team prepares for their Premier League visit to Brighton on Friday.
Maresca also confirmed that right-back Reece James is available for selection. His absence from Saturday’s FA Cup tie was a precautionary measure as the defender continues his gradual return from a hamstring injury. Chelsea, currently fourth in the Premier League, will aim to secure crucial points in their upcoming fixture.