Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out until after the international break in March due to a hamstring injury.
According to the UK Telegraph, Jackson underwent a scan on Wednesday that confirmed the extent of the damage. The Senegal international will not be available until at least April 2, when Chelsea face Tottenham.
With Marc Guiu also sidelined, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will be without a natural striker for the foreseeable future. The club had initially hoped Jackson’s injury, sustained during the win over West Ham United, wouldn’t keep him out for long. However, the latest scan revealed more severe damage, confirming their worst fears.
Jackson will miss several key matches, including Friday’s trip to Brighton, as well as games against Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester City, and Arsenal. He will also be absent for Chelsea’s two-legged Europa Conference League last-16 tie in March.
With Jackson out, Christopher Nkunku is expected to step in as a striker, and Maresca will likely choose between Nkunku and Cole Palmer as a false nine.
