Chelsea will be without the striker Nicolas Jackson by the end of March due to an injury, letting them attack options with reserve Marc Guiu.
Jackson put the problem at home victory at West Ham on February 3 and is not expected back to the next international break, ending on March 25th.
Guiu fell into the same game and will be missing for a “little moment”, according to Boss Enzo Maresca.
The couple was not available for last weekend FA Cup in Brighton with Winger Christopher Nkunku used in a fake nine role and this tactic could be repeated when Chelsea visited Amex again in the league tomorrow night.
Brighton (A) in the Premier League. 🔜 pic.twitter.com/rxe5hkxuwi
– Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) 12 February 2025
Maresca said today: “Nico is injured and will go out to the international break. He probably will return after the international break.
“We knew he had a muscle problem, but not how important (important) was at this stage. His reaction was good, so we didn’t think it would be a major injury.
“Unfortunately, he had a scan that has shown the injury and will be out for six to eight weeks.
“Marc Guiu will also be out for a while. He has a muscular problem, a Hamstring issue as well, and he will be out for a while.”
Nkunku is not the only solution
Asked if Nkunku is the natural replacement, he added: “Christoph could be one of the solutions but not the only solution. I think Christoph is a very important player. He can try to help us.
“We’re trying to find different solutions. It may be Christoph or a different player. When you don’t have the right nine that may be a threat you should always change. (George) can try and may be the solution.
Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are also out by the end of next month, but Captain Reece James is suitable and available for the trip to the south coast, where Maresca will hope that Chelsea can win revenge on Saturday’s defeat 2-1.
He said: “In all games that (Brighton) try to be quite aggressive. I expect a very similar game. It’s fresh in your mind the way they attack and defend. You know what they are doing and trying to do. It’s probably better to deal with them immediately. “
This season has a ‘fantastic journey’ – Maresca
Chelsea’s form has sank slowly and have won only three of their last 10 games in all matches.
It is fourth in the Premier League and that it is a sign of progress in itself, according to former Leicester Maresca boss.
“Our trip to the Premier League and the Conference League was fantastic,” he said.
“We will try to finish in the best way we can. Don’t forget in the last two years Chelsea was not four and this season all the time in the top four. This shows to everyone that we are in the right direction. This club belongs to the Champions League. “
