Chelsea face striker crisis! Injured Nicolas Jackson ruled out until APRIL in devastating blow to Enzo Maresca's Blues

A scan on Wednesday revealed the forward has suffered damage to his hamstring and will not be back until after the international break in March, The Telegraph reports. The earliest he is expected back is for the clash against Tottenham on April 2.

The loss of the Senegal international leaves coach Enzo Maresca without a striker, with Marc Guiu also out injured. Jackson, 23, has scored nine goals and registered five assists in the Premier League this season - Cole Palmer is the only Chelsea player with a better record in the English top flight.

Jackson will be absent for Friday's clash against Brighton as well as meetings with Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester and Arsenal at least.

Mareca's side are currently fourth in the Premier League heading into this week's match against a Brighton side who beat them 2-1 in the FA Cup last week.