Chelsea have suffered a major injury setback as striker Nicolas Jackson will be out for six weeks after scans revealed a more severe hamstring issue than initially feared.
The 23-year-old Senegalese forward 🇸🇳 limped off during the match against West Ham two weeks ago. While manager Enzo Maresca had hoped it was a minor problem, medical tests confirmed a longer recovery period.
🔵 Chelsea’s No. 9 Crisis 😬
Jackson, who has netted 9 goals this season, is Chelsea’s second-top scorer behind Cole Palmer (14 goals). However, his absence leaves Chelsea without a recognized striker after Marc Guiu 🇪🇸—who replaced Jackson in the West Ham match—also suffered a serious groin injury in the same game.
💬 Maresca initially downplayed Jackson’s injury but later admitted that Guiu could be sidelined for “weeks or months”.
🛠️ Who Will Lead the Line? 🤔
With no fit natural strikers, Maresca is expected to turn to Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku to lead the attack. Nkunku started in Chelsea’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Brighton last Saturday and is likely to continue in that role.
📆 What’s Next for Chelsea? 🔵
Chelsea, currently fourth in the Premier League, will face Brighton again this Friday in the league—this time without a traditional No. 9.
🗓️ Expected Return: Jackson is likely to be sidelined until after the international break at the end of March.
🚨 Can Chelsea cope without a natural striker? Who should step up? Drop your thoughts below in the comments! ⬇️🔥
