Enzo Maresca reveals timeline of Nicolas Jackson's injury: Details here
What's the story
Chelsea FC have suffered a major blow with the news that striker Nicolas Jackson will be out of action for six to eight weeks.
Meanwhile, this comes after the player picked up a muscular injury during Chelsea's 2-0 victory over West Ham earlier this month.
However, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the extent of Jackson's injury on Thursday, saying he won't return until after next month's international break.
Here's more.
Manager's remarks
Maresca's statement on Jackson's injury
Maresca also revealed that Jackson's injury was initially underestimated.
"We knew it was a muscular problem but we didn't know how important it was because of his reaction. We all thought it was not a big injury, but unfortunately, he had a scan and it will be around six to eight weeks," he said during a press conference.
This setback comes as Chelsea also grapple with Marc Guiu's being sidelined due to a similar hamstring injury.
Additional setback
Chelsea's injury woes continue with Guiu's hamstring issue
Besides Jackson's absence, Chelsea are also dealing with Marc Guiu's hamstring injury.
However, the team has a positive update as Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are nearing full fitness.
Wesley Fofana has also returned to the group but will require "two or three weeks" before he can play for the Blues again.
Rumor dismissal
Maresca dismisses rumors of Reece James's injury setback
Maresca has quashed rumors about a further injury setback for Reece James.
Meanwhile, the full-back is expected to be fit for selection despite missing Chelsea's recent FA Cup defeat (2-1) at Brighton.
Despite these challenges, Maresca remains confident in his current squad's ability to adapt and find solutions within their ranks during this challenging period.
Tactical shift
Maresca considers Nkunku as potential solution
Maresca is also looking at Christopher Nkunku, the attacking midfielder who played as a striker during the FA Cup loss to Brighton, as one of the possible solutions.
"Christopher [Nkunku] could be one of the solutions but not the only solution," he said.
He also hinted that wide players like Pero Neto, Noni Madueke or Tyrique George could also step in as false No 9s.
"We are going to try and find different solutions," he further added regarding the same.
Formation
Maresca admits absence of 'proper 9' and suggests setup change
Manager Maresca admitted that he does not have a 'proper 9' because of the injuries, in a recent press conference
Speaking about the same, he stated, "We are working, because of the Nico and Marc situation, we are trying to find different solutions."
"If you don't have a proper nine, who can be a threat always you have to change not only the nine but also a bit the way you want to play," he further added about the same.
Numbers
Jackson's numbers for Chelsea
In 23 Premier League games this season, Jackson owns nine goals and five assists.
Overall, he owns 58 Premier League appearances, scoring 23 times and making 10 assists.
The strike has appeared in 68 matches for the Blues in all competitions. He has scored 26 goals in addition to providing 11 assists since his move in the summer of 2023.