Chelsea Striker Nicolas Jackson Sidelined Until April with Hamstring Injury

Chelsea have suffered a significant injury setback, with first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson ruled out until April due to a hamstring injury, talkSPORT understands.

The 23-year-old Senegalese forward underwent a scan on Wednesday, which confirmed that he will be unavailable until after the March international break. Jackson’s absence adds to Chelsea’s injury concerns in attack, with Marc Guiu also sidelined, posing a challenge for manager Enzo Maresca’s squad selection.

Jackson was already missing in Chelsea’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton last weekend, where Christopher Nkunku led the line. The Blues struggled offensively, failing to score from open play, with their only goal coming via an own goal from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Having contributed nine goals and five assists in the Premier League this season, Jackson’s absence will be a notable loss for Chelsea. However, the club remains calm about the situation, confident in the depth of their squad despite the striker shortage.

Jackson’s absence is expected to impact Chelsea’s attacking options, particularly with key fixtures approaching.

However, with a wealth of talent across the squad, Maresca will look to other forwards, such as Nkunku and Cole Palmer, to step up in Jackson’s absence. The club remains hopeful that Jackson will return to full fitness in time to make a strong impact later in the season.