Chelsea -Baas Enzo Maresca said that Nicolas Jackson could miss between “six to eight weeks” of action due to a muscular injury.
The Chelsea striker was withdrawn early in the second half at the beginning of February during the 2-1 victory of his 2-1 over West Ham.
On Thursday, Maresca said that Jackson will be set aside until after the international break of next month.
“Nico will come to the international break and probably available after the international break,” he said.
“We knew it was a muscular problem, but we didn't know how important it was because of his reaction. We all thought it wasn't a big injury, but unfortunately he had a scan and it will take about six to eight weeks.”
Maresca also confirmed that colleague striker Marc Guiu is being put aside for some time with a similar hamstring injury.
Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile, however, are approaching a return to full fitness, while Wesley Fofana has returned to the group, although he needs “two or three weeks” to be available for the blues.
Maresca also rejected rumors about a further Reece James injury setback with the full-back set to be available for selection despite missing the FA Cup defeat from Chelsea at Brighton.
Maresca: We will find a solution
Despite injuries in attacking areas, Maresca is adamant to find a solution within his current team.
Christopher Nunku filled in as a striker in the FA Cup defeat against Brighton in both Jackson and Guiu's absence last weekend, but for Maresca the France is not his only option in that area.
“Christopher [Nkunku] Can be one of the solutions, but not the only solution, “he said.
“I said since day one that Christopher is not NO9. Christopher is an attacking midfielder. But we use him as a no. 9 to find a solution with all. But we know very well that Christopher is not the right no. 9 is.
“We are going to try to find different solutions. I have always said that since the beginning I have considered Christo as an important player, but the problem is that they think they are important if they play, if they don't, they don't think They are now also closed with the window that everyone is here and he can try to help us until the end.
“[Playing a wide player as a false No 9] can be a solution, certainly pero [Neto] or noni [Madueke] or even Tyrique [George] Can try and can be a solution for us. Jadon [Sancho] With a different kind of skills.
“But it's not just about the NO9. If you don't have a good NO9, you have to use a different type of NO9, but you also have to change a little as you have to play.
“Maybe you should be more direct and you probably have to link more because you don't have a threat behind, but we will find a solution.”
Which competitions could Jackson miss?
Brighton (A) – Premier League, Live on Sky, Friday, February 14, 8 pm Ko
Aston Villa (A) – Premier League, Live On Sky, Saturday 22 February, 5.30 pm Ko
Southampton (H) – Premier League, Tuesday 25 February, 8.15 pm Ko
*UEFA Conference League RO16 (A) – Thursday March 6, KO TBC
Leicester (H) – Premier League, Sunday 9 March, 2 pm Ko
*UEFA Conference League RO16 (H) – Thursday March 6, KO TBC
Arsenal (A) – Premier League, Sunday March 16, KO TBC
Comments