Chelsea’s hopes of securing a top-four Premier League finish have taken a significant hit as head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson will be out for six to eight weeks due to a hamstring injury. The Senegalese forward sustained the injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United on February 3, 2025.
Initially, the injury was not deemed severe, and there was optimism that Jackson could return quickly. However, subsequent scans revealed the true extent of the damage, ruling him out until early April. His absence means Chelsea will be without their leading striker at a critical juncture of the season, with key domestic and European fixtures on the horizon.
Guiu Also Injured as Chelsea Face Attacking Dilemma
Jackson’s injury compounds Chelsea’s attacking woes, as the club is also without Marc Guiu, who is recovering from a similar muscle issue. The Spanish forward picked up his injury in the same match against West Ham and remains unavailable for selection.
With both of his natural strikers sidelined, Maresca is scrambling for solutions. Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s league fixture against Brighton, the Italian manager admitted that he will have to explore alternative attacking setups. “We knew it was a muscular problem but didn’t expect it to be this serious,” Maresca said. “His reaction was good, so we hoped for a quick return. Unfortunately, the scan confirmed he’ll be out for six to eight weeks.”
Nkunku an Option, But Not a Natural Striker
One potential solution for Chelsea is deploying Christopher Nkunku in the striker role. The Frenchman, who joined the club for £60 million from RB Leipzig, has the versatility to play as a forward but is naturally an attacking midfielder.
Maresca tried this approach during Chelsea’s recent FA Cup defeat to Brighton, but the experiment did not yield the desired results. “I’ve said from day one that Christo (Nkunku) is not a number nine,” Maresca emphasized. “He is an attacking midfielder. We saw against Brighton how difficult it is to play without a true striker.”
Nkunku’s limited game time this season due to injury also raises concerns about his ability to consistently lead the line. Having made only three league starts, he lacks match sharpness, making him an uncertain choice for the demanding role.
Cole Palmer as a False Nine? Tactical Adjustments Considered
With no clear-cut striker available, Maresca is considering alternative tactical approaches. One option is using Cole Palmer as a false nine, a role that allows for fluid movement and dynamic attacking play. Palmer, who has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers this season, possesses the technical ability to operate in a more advanced role.
However, this change would require Chelsea to modify their attacking structure significantly. Other players such as Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto could also be given attacking responsibilities in a reshaped system. “When you don’t have a proper nine, you need to adapt,” Maresca said. “It can be Christo, but also a different kind of player. We have to change the way we play.”
Top-Four Ambitions at Risk Amid Lack of Reinforcements
Chelsea’s lack of striking options has raised questions about their January transfer window decisions. Despite interest in signing a striker or left-winger, the club ultimately chose to delay reinforcements until the summer. João Félix, who could have provided depth in attack, was allowed to join AC Milan on loan.
With Chelsea currently sitting in fourth place, the pressure is mounting. Jackson, despite going through a recent goal drought, remains an essential figure in Chelsea’s pressing game, pace, and link-up play. His absence leaves Maresca’s side vulnerable, especially in matches where a strong presence in the box is needed.
As Chelsea prepare for another meeting with Brighton in the league, all eyes will be on Maresca’s tactical adjustments. Can the Blues weather this storm and maintain their push for Champions League qualification without a recognized striker? The next few weeks will be a true test of the manager’s adaptability and squad depth.
