Chelsea were just hit with damning injury news that could well derail their push to finish in the top four this season.
Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out for the best part of two months following an injury that forced him off in the win over West Ham.
Enzo Maresca had optimism that Jackson could return for the Premier League fixture on Friday against Brighton, however any prospect of that has now been ruled out.
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Enzo Maresca confident Chelsea can cope without Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu after injury update
In a double whammy, Marc Guiu hobbled off at the end of the last league win. He is also not expected to return this month, leaving the manager scratching his head for answers.
According to The Telegraph though, Maresca is confident the Blues will be able to cope without their two recognised first team strikers, as they push to qualify for the Champions League next season.
It is fair to say that Jackson had gone off the boil somewhat in front of goal lately. The Senegal international has not found the net since the win over Brentford in mid-December.
Guiu is also inexperienced at the top level despite being the club’s top scorer in the Conference League this season, and impressing whenever he has featured.
Chelsea’s options to replace Nicolas Jackson
The aformentioned report from The Telegraph states Chelsea are now weighing up two players to play somewhat out of position to cover for the absent striker.
Christopher Nkunku started in that role in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton, and while he did not impress is certainly an option to lead the line.
Another player at the manager’s disposal is Cole Palmer. The England international is Chelsea’s biggest goal threat, but does a lot of his good work in deeper areas.
Journalist Nizaar Kinsella has also named youngsters Deivid Washington and Shim Mheuka as potential options to get a chance to prove their worth for the first team.
The Brazilian was expected to move to Santos on deadline day, however stayed put at Stamford Bridge.
Mheuka meanwhile made his debut in the Conference League earlier this season, and has returned to training after suffering a recent injury.
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