Chelsea have been dealt a major blow as Nicolas Jackson is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury.
Chelsea Star Nicolas Jackson Faces Lengthy Spell on Sidelines
The 23-year-old striker underwent a scan on Wednesday, which confirmed significant damage, ruling him out until April.
Jackson picked up the injury during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United, where he was forced off in the 52nd minute after receiving on-field treatment.
He subsequently missed Chelsea’s FA Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion, a match they lost despite taking an early lead.
His absence leaves Chelsea without a recognized centre-forward, as his backup, Marc Guiu, is also out injured.
This poses a significant challenge for manager Enzo Maresca, who will have to find alternative solutions for a tough run of fixtures, including key Premier League matches against Brighton, Aston Villa, and Arsenal.
Jackson is expected to return for Chelsea’s high-stakes London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on April 2, following the March international break.
Since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, the Senegal international has played a crucial role in the team’s attack.
So far this season, he has netted nine goals and provided five assists across all competitions, making him a vital asset for the Blues.
Against Brighton last Friday, Maresca opted to deploy Christopher Nkunku as the lone striker, supported by Jadon Sancho on the left, Pedro Neto on the right, and Cole Palmer playing just behind in a creative role.
While Nkunku boasts an impressive scoring record in the UEFA Conference League—seven goals in seven appearances and 13 across all competitions—he is not considered a traditional No. 9.
Chelsea will now have to adapt their attacking approach in Jackson’s absence as they continue their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
With crucial fixtures on the horizon, Maresca faces the tough task of reshuffling his squad to maintain their offensive threat without their main striker.
