Devastating blow for Chelsea as Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out for six weeks

Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out for six weeks from a recent injury. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

Chelsea's star striker Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out for six weeks due to a major injury blow. The striker was forced off the pitch early on during Chelsea’s 2-1 win over rivals West Ham United last week.

According to SkySports, the injury is more serious than the club’s medical team had initially expected it to be.

Just like their arch-rivals Arsenal, the Blues will also be without their first-choice No. 9 now. The Gunners also suffered a massive blow from Kai Havertz’s recent injury, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The situation has posed a massive challenge for manager Enzo Maresca as the Blues continue to push for a top four finish in the Premier League this season.

However, Jackson’s injury might dent their Champions League hopes considering the stiff competition they're facing from Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Chelsea are also big favorites to win the Conference League this season. However, having to play without their second top scorer this season would be a great challenge for Enzo Maresca’s men.

How will Chelsea respond to this massive setback?

Enzo Maresca has an uphill task to get Chelsea firing without his first-choice striker. The Senegal international has become an integral part of the new manager’s tactical system.

The Italian will most likely deploy Christopher Nkunku in the No. 9 position for the time being. 

Even though the Frenchman is not a natural striker, he has previous experience of playing the position.

Nkunku started the game as a striker in Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in the FA Cup last week, where he looked too static and clueless on multiple occasions during the game.