Enzo Maresca confirms how long Nicolas Jackson will be out of action for with current injury as Chelsea boss discusses ‘solutions’ to striker crisis

Jackson picked up an injury last week and missed Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Guiu, Chelsea's back up to the Senegalese also picked up an injury in the same timeframe and sat out the clash at the Amex Stadium. Maresca has now opened up on the duo's fitness and potential return dates.

Speaking to the media, Maresca said: "Nico will be out until the international break, probably available after the international break. We knew it was a muscular problem but not how important it was. His reaction was good so we didn't think it was a big injury. Unfortunately he had the scan and it is an important one - he will be out for six to eight weeks."

The Italian added: "Marc Guiu will be out for a while. Romeo Lavia is in the process to come back with us, Benoit Badiashile exactly the same. Wesley Fofana needs two or three weeks to be 100% fit with us."

When questioned about whether Christopher Nkunku could fill in for Jackson during the busy period, Maresca said that the Frenchman could play as the number nine but added that his wingers Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and starlet Tyrique George could also fill the vacant spot.

The Italian said: "Christo is a solution but not the only solution. I said many times I consider Christo a very important player from the start.

"Now also with the transfer window closed, everyone is here and he can help us until the end. We are working to find a different solution. It can be Christo but also a different kind of player."

"Could a winger play centrally? Could be a solution. Pedro, Noni or even Tyrique, they can try and be a solution for us. Jadon has different kind of skills. When you don't have a proper nine, you need to use a different kind of nine but you need to change the way you play. We will find a solution."

The Blues travel to Amex Stadium for the second time in seven days as they face Brighton yet again, this time in the Premier League, as they look to close the gap to Nottingham Forest. The two sides face off on Friday, February 14.