Enzo Maresca responds to whether Deivid Washington could step in as Chelsea’s striker following Nicolas Jackson’s injury update.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is currently facing a significant challenge in determining the best option for the striker role over the coming weeks.

Recent reports indicate that Nicolas Jackson will be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks after medical scans revealed his injury was more severe than initially anticipated. Maresca had initially hoped the Senegalese forward could be available for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Brighton, but that possibility has now been ruled out.

Adding to Chelsea’s selection woes, Spanish striker Marc Guiu is also unavailable for the remainder of the month. This leaves the squad without a natural first-team striker, forcing Maresca to consider promoting a player from the club’s youth setup. One potential option is Deivid Washington.

However, Washington has been linked with a move to Brazilian club Santos, as Brazil’s transfer window remains open despite Chelsea’s being closed. Maresca has stated that he is not considering the young forward as an option, as negotiations over his transfer are ongoing. Additionally, Washington is currently away on international duty, representing his country at the Under-20 South American Championship.

With limited alternatives, it appears that Christopher Nkunku will be given the responsibility of leading the attack in Chelsea’s upcoming match against Brighton. The team will be looking for redemption after a disappointing performance against the same opponent in the FA Cup, where Nkunku struggled to replicate the prolific form he displayed in previous seasons.

If Maresca chooses to turn to the club’s academy for a solution, 17-year-old Shim Mheuka could be a promising candidate. The young striker has made impressive strides at Cobham and has earned support from several first-team players. He has already made an appearance in the Conference League, suggesting he could be ready for a more significant role in the squad.