Nicolas Jackson is set for a spell on the sidelines as the Senegalese striker could miss up to eight weeks with a hamstring injury, Afrosport reports.
Jackson was replaced by Spaniard Marc Guiu before the second half restart of Chelsea’s 2-1 win over West Ham on Monday, 3 February.
The 23-year-old has been ruled out until after next month’s international break, with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirming the injury on Thursday.
“Nico [Jackson] will be out until the international break, probably available after that,” Maresca said ahead of their visit to Brighton on Friday.
“We knew that it was a muscular problem, but we did not know how important it was because his reaction was quite good, so we all did not think it was a big injury.
“Unfortunately, he had the scan a few days ago, and it is an important one – he will be out for around six to eight weeks.”
Brighton (A) in the Premier League. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/rxe5HkxUWI
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Jackson has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 23 Premier League matches for Chelsea this season, with only Cole Palmer (14) scoring more in the league.
Chelsea, however, will have to find a way to play without an outright striker as Guiu is also out after sustaining a groin injury against West Ham.
Maresca, meanwhile, revealed that Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, or 19-year-old Tyrique George could help provide a solution to their problem. The Italian also mentioned wingers Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke as possible alternatives.
Jackson will miss two matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Senegal as the Teranga Lions take on Sudan on 17 March and Togo seven days later.
