Nicolas Jackson provides crucial Chelsea injury update as Enzo Maresca considers starting young striker in Conference League clash.

Chelsea have recently struggled to find the back of the net, largely due to the absence of a key player.

 

Nicolas Jackson has been sidelined since early February after picking up an injury during Chelsea’s win against West Ham, where Marc Guiu also suffered a setback. Both players are yet to return to action.

 

Jackson’s absence has noticeably impacted Cole Palmer, who is currently enduring his longest goal drought in the league, failing to score in his last six matches.

 

Chelsea will be hoping to turn things around as they return to European competition in the Conference League Round of 16, facing Copenhagen away on Thursday before hosting them at Stamford Bridge a week later.

 

Palmer and Jackson were not involved in the group stage, while several players who featured during that phase have since left the club. With Joao Felix struggling at AC Milan, a spot is open in attack, leaving manager Enzo Maresca with big decisions to make.

 

Jackson will not be available for the tie, but he recently shared an update on Instagram, showing he is back in the gym as he works towards his return. Reports suggest the Senegal international is expected to be back after the international break, following Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Leicester.

 

Maresca is considering giving an academy prospect a chance against Copenhagen. Shumaira Mheuka, who nearly became the fastest debutant to score in the Premier League, could be an option. Donnel McNeilly has also impressed in the academy and is waiting for his first-team opportunity.

 

However, Chelsea could stick with Pedro Neto as the central striker, with the forward delivering solid performances in the last two league matches.