In a recent press conference, Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, addressed the team’s current striker crisis following injuries to key forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.
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Jackson, who has netted nine Premier League goals this season, is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained against West Ham United.
With both primary strikers unavailable, speculation arose among fans about the possibility of re-signing former Chelsea favorite Diego Costa, currently a free agent.
However, Maresca dismissed these rumors, stating, “No, no, no. We are focused on finding solutions with the ones that we have.”
The manager emphasized the need to adapt the team’s playstyle in the absence of a traditional number nine.
He mentioned that players like Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto could be considered for more central attacking roles.
Maresca noted, “When you don’t have a proper nine, you have to change the way you want to play.
You cannot be direct; you probably need to link more because you don’t have a threat in behind. We will find a solution.”
Nkunku, primarily an attacking midfielder, has been identified as a potential option to lead the line. Despite his versatility, there are concerns about his effectiveness as a lone striker.
During a recent FA Cup defeat to Brighton, Nkunku struggled in the forward role, failing to register a shot on target. Maresca acknowledged this challenge, stating that Nkunku’s “perfect position is as a No10.”
As Chelsea prepares to face Brighton again in the Premier League, Maresca’s focus remains on internal solutions.
The team aims to adapt and overcome the current challenges without seeking external reinforcements, relying on the versatility and resilience of the existing squad to maintain their push for Champions League qualification.
