Chelsea’s attacking struggles were on full display in their 1-0 defeat against Arsenal before the international break, with the Blues looking toothless without a recognised number nine.

As Enzo Maresca’s side fights to secure Champions League football, former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood believes Nicolas Jackson has been unfairly criticised and remains a crucial figure in the team’s attacking structure.

Sherwood believes Jackson has been disrespected at Chelsea.

“I think Nicolas Jackson has definitely been disrespected, I think he’s the focal point and a real presence up there,” Sherwood told Metro.

“He occupies the centre-halves and takes them back to create space for the likes of Cole Palmer to come into. Palmer, in particular, profited off the space that Jackson created him. Enzo [Fernandez] as well. I think Enzo is a better No. 10 than a No. 8 and when he gets forward, he’s a real goal threat.”

With Jackson sidelined, Chelsea has struggled to find a reliable alternative to lead the line, as Sherwood pointed out.

“But they need someone who is going to lead the line and occupy the centre-halves and create that space for them.

“He’s been a huge miss. He’s not a prolific goalscorer but he’s certainly a threat and they can’t replace him. They’ve got nobody like him to come in, they’ve tried it with [Christopher] Nkunku or playing with Pedro Neto as a false nine but it’s not worked.”

Despite Chelsea sitting in fourth place, their form has been inconsistent, and with a difficult run-in ahead, the club’s Champions League hopes are under threat. With no clear replacement for Jackson, the Blues will need to find a solution quickly if they are to secure a top-four finish.