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Chelsea will likely be with out striker Nicolas Jackson till the tip of March on account of a hamstring damage, leaving them wanting attacking choices with back-up Marc Guiu additionally absent.
Jackson sustained the issue within the residence win over West Ham on February 3 and isn’t anticipated again till after the following worldwide break, which ends on March 25.
Guiu limped off in the identical recreation and will likely be lacking for a “couple of minutes”, in keeping with boss Enzo Maresca.
The pair have been unavailable for final weekend’s FA Cup tie at Brighton with winger Christopher Nkunku utilised in a false 9 function and that tactic could possibly be repeated when Chelsea go to the Amex once more within the league tomorrow night time.
Brighton (A) within the Premier League. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/rxe5HkxUWI
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 12, 2025
Maresca mentioned in the present day: “Nico is injured and will likely be out till the worldwide break. Most likely he will likely be again after the worldwide break.
“We knew he had a muscular downside however not how necessary [significant] it was at that stage. His response was good, so we didn’t suppose it was going to be a giant damage.
“Sadly, he had a scan which has proven the damage, and he will likely be out for six to eight weeks.
“Marc Guiu will even be out for some time. He has a muscle downside, a hamstring difficulty as properly, and will likely be out for a short while.”
Nkunku not the one resolution
Requested whether or not Nkunku is the pure alternative, he added: “Christoph could possibly be one of many options however he’s not the one resolution. I think about Christoph an important participant. He can attempt to assist us.
“We’re looking for completely different options, might be Christoph or a distinct sort of participant. While you don’t have a correct 9 who is usually a menace at all times you need to change. Pedro [Neto], Noni [Madueke] and even Tyrique [George] can attempt to possibly be the answer. Jadon [Sancho] possibly with completely different expertise.”
Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are additionally out till the tip of subsequent month however captain Reece James is match and accessible for the journey to the south coast the place Maresca will hope Chelsea can acquire revenge for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat.
He mentioned: “In all of the video games they [Brighton] attempt to be fairly aggressive. I count on a really related recreation. It’s contemporary in your thoughts the best way they assault and defend. what they do and attempt to do. It’s most likely higher to face them instantly.”
This season has ben a ‘implausible journey’ – Maresca
Chelsea’s kind has dipped of late they usually have received simply three of their final 10 video games in all competitions.
They’re fourth within the Premier League and that in itself is an indication of progress, in keeping with former Leicester boss Maresca.
“Our journey within the Premier League and Convention League has been implausible,” he mentioned.
“We are going to attempt to end in one of the simplest ways we will. Don’t overlook within the final two years Chelsea haven’t been prime 4 and this season on a regular basis within the prime 4. This exhibits everybody we’re in the suitable path. This membership belongs within the Champions League.”
