Chelsea confirm injury blow with forward out for two months | OneFootball

Chelsea have confirmed that Nicolas Jackson is set for up to two months on the sidelines through injury.

The 23-year-old was substituted against West Ham two weeks ago with a hamstring injury and scans have since revealed the extent of the issue. Chelsea had hoped Jackson’s setback would be minor but the Senegalese striker’s injury is worse than first feared.

Jackson has scored nine goals in the Premier League for Chelsea this season, with only Cole Palmer having netted more for the Blues. His absence is a major blow to the West Londoners as Chelsea chase a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Brighton in the Premier League tomorrow, head coach Enzo Maresca gave an update on Jackson’s situation.

He said he does not expect the forward to return until after the March international break. Chelsea face Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in their first fixture after the break on April 2nd.

“He’s not gonna be available until the end of the international break”, the Italian said at his pre-match press conference.

“We knew it was a muscular problem but not how important it was. His reaction was good so we didn’t think it was a big injury. Unfortunately he had the scan and it is an important one – he will be out for six to eight weeks.”

Fellow forward Marc Guiu is also out with a hamstring issue, leaving Chelsea short of recognised options at centre-forward. Christopher Nkunku is the likeliest deputy for Jackson, though Maresca has said he prefers the Frenchman in a deeper role.

“I said since day one that Christo is not a nine, he is an attacking midfielder. We know very well that Christo is not a nine.

“Christo is a solution but not the only solution. I said many times I consider Christo a very important player from the start. Now also with the transfer window closed, everyone is here and he can help us until the end. We are working to find a different solution. It can be Christo but also a different kind of player. ”

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