Nicolas Jackson: Chelsea striker out until international break with injury – Enzo Maresca
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed forward Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out for “about six to eight weeks” due to a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old was injured two weeks ago against West Ham and although Maresca initially hoped the Senegal striker avoided a major setback, the scans have since shown that the issue is worse than initially worried.
Jackson has scored nine goals so far this season, giving him only a second scorer to Cole Palmer with 14 points.
Blues didn’t have a recognized ninth place after Espanyol replaced Jackson’s Marc Guiu at West Ham, who suffered a severe groin in the same game harm.
“Nico (Jackson) will be eliminated before the international break and may be obtained after the international break,” Maresca said.
“We know it’s a muscular problem, but it’s not very important. He responded very well, so we all thought it wasn’t a big injury.
“Unfortunately, he did the scan, which was an important one – he will be out for six to eight weeks.”
Palmer and Christopher Nkunku will likely represent the front, who started in Brighton’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat.
The Chelsea owner also mentioned Wingers Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke and Tyrique George.
Maresca’s side, who finished fourth in the Premier League, visited Brighton again on Friday.
Italian confirmed Reece James could play, and right back was absent Saturday’s FA Cup tie It was the planned rest as he continued to recover from a hamstring injury and continued to manage it carefully.
