Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed another significant injury setback, with forward Nicolas Jackson expected to be sidelined until after the upcoming international break in March. The news comes as a major blow to the Blues, who are already stretched thin in attack.

Jackson’s absence leaves Christopher Nkunku as the only natural striker available in the squad, raising concerns about Chelsea’s attacking options. The club opted not to sign a new forward during the January transfer window, while also allowing João Félix to join AC Milan on loan. This decision now looks costly as injuries continue to pile up.

The Senegalese forward is the latest addition to Chelsea’s growing injury list. Marc Guiu is set for an extended spell on the sidelines with a hip injury, while defenders Wesley Fofana, Roméo Lavia, and Benoît Badiashile are also out with long-term hamstring issues.

Maresca revealed the extent of Jackson’s injury during his press conference, stating: *“Nico will be out until the international break, probably available after the international break. We knew it was a muscle problem, but we didn’t know how serious it was. We thought it wasn’t a big injury, but after the scan, it’s clear he’ll be out for 6-8 weeks.”*

The Italian manager also provided updates on other injured players: *“Marc Guiu will be out for a while. Roméo Lavia is in the process of returning to training, and Benoît Badiashile is in the same situation. Wesley Fofana needs two or three weeks to be 100 percent fit with us.”*

With Jackson sidelined, Nkunku is likely to step in as Chelsea’s primary striker, despite not being a natural No. 9. Maresca acknowledged the Frenchman’s preference for playing as an attacking midfielder, suggesting he may need to adapt his tactics to accommodate the lack of a traditional striker.

*“I’ve said since day one that Christo [Nkunku] is not a nine—he’s an attacking midfielder. He’s a solution, but not the only solution. When you don’t have a proper nine, you have to change the way you play,”* Maresca explained.

The Chelsea boss also hinted at using wingers like Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, or even academy prospect Tyrique George in a makeshift striker role. *“Pedro, Noni, or even Tyrique can try to be a solution for us. Jadon Sancho has different skills. When you don’t have a proper nine, you need to use a different kind of nine, but it requires changing the way you play. We will find a solution,”* he added.

The injury crisis comes at a challenging time for Chelsea, who face Brighton this weekend in the Premier League. The Blues suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Seagulls in the FA Cup just days ago, and Maresca will need to find a way to navigate this latest setback as his side looks to salvage their season.