Chelsea facing striker crisis with Nicolas Jackson ruled out for six weeks as Enzo Maresca dealt injury blow

ENZO MARESCA has been dealt a blow with Nicolas Jackson ruled out for around six weeks.

Chelsea's main striker has suffered a significant hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again before April.

Jackson was forced off early in the 2-1 win over West Ham on February 3.

He missed last weekend's FA Cup defeat at Brighton, although boss Maresca claimed beforehand that the problem was not too bad.

But a scan this week has shown it to be more serious than first thought and nine-goal Jackson now faces a spell on the sidelines.

Chelsea are due back at Brighton on Friday for a Premier League game.

After the recent FA Cup clash with the Seagulls, Maresca admitted that Jackson's absence severely hampered his team.

Fellow striker Marc Guiu is also out for some time with a muscle problem, leaving Maresca facing a crisis up front.

Christopher Nkunku deputised last weekend. He has scored 13 times this season but only two of those have come in the Premier League due to limited appearances.

Chelsea are fourth in the table and are hopeful of securing a top four finish to guarantee a return to the Champions League next season.

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They also resume European competition in the Conference League next month, which is the club's last remaining hope of silverware this season

But they will have to do so with their main striker on the treatment table.