Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has emphasised the importance of Christopher Nkunku stepping up following Nicolas Jackson’s injury but insists he is not the only solution as the Blues navigate their striker crisis.

“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,” Maresca stated.

With Chelsea now lacking a natural No.9, the manager acknowledged the challenges of adjusting without Jackson’s presence in the squad.

“We are working to find a different solution. It can be Christo but also a different kind of player,” he added.

Maresca also pointed out the differences between Nkunku and Jackson, underlining the qualities the Senegalese striker brings to the team.

“They are different on the ball and off the ball. Sometimes we complain about players but then when they don’t play, you realise how important they are. He (Jackson) didn’t play against Brighton and then everyone was thinking it is difficult to play without a nine. We know exactly how good Nico is on and off the ball. Christo is completely different on and off the ball.”

With Jackson out for up to eight weeks, Nkunku and other attacking players will need to adapt quickly as Chelsea look to maintain their attacking threat in the coming weeks.