Chelsea have been hit with a significant injury setback as manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that forward Nicolas Jackson will be sidelined for “around six to eight weeks” with a hamstring injury.

Jackson, 23, sustained the injury during Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over West Ham two weeks ago. Initially, Maresca was optimistic that the Senegalese striker had avoided a serious issue, but further scans have revealed a more severe problem than first feared.

“Nico [Jackson] will be out until the international break, probably available after the international break,” Maresca said.

“We knew it was a muscular problem, but not how important it was. His reaction was quite good, so we all thought it wasn’t a big injury.

“Unfortunately, he had the scan, and it is an important one – he will be out for around six to eight weeks.”

Jackson has been a key figure in Chelsea’s attack this season, scoring nine goals and trailing only Cole Palmer, who leads the club’s scoring charts with 14. His absence leaves the Blues without a recognised striker, as Spanish forward Marc Guiu, who replaced Jackson in the West Ham match, also suffered a serious groin injury in the same game.

With no natural No.9 available, Maresca is expected to turn to alternative attacking options. Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer are likely to lead the line, with the former starting up front in Chelsea’s recent 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Brighton.

Additionally, Maresca has hinted at other possible solutions. Wingers Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, and Tyrique George have all been mentioned as alternatives in attack as Chelsea look to cope with the absence of their main strikers.

Maresca’s side, currently fourth in the Premier League, will travel to face Brighton once again in the league on Friday as they aim to recover from their recent cup exit.