Enzo Maresca names the Chelsea youngster he is considering playing as a striker to replace Nicolas Jackson

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Nicolas Jackson’s latest hamstring injury is a huge blow for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.

Maresca lauded Jackson’s form earlier this season and while his performances have tailed off, he is the Blues’ only established striker.

Christopher Nkunku has never particularly impressed when played up front due to the fact that the Frenchman can be classed as more of an attacking midfielder — leaving Chelsea short of options in the centre-forward position.

Meanwhile, Marc Guiu also suffered an injury in his side’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup.

Enzo Maresca has pressure on his shoulders heading into the West Londoners’ upcoming contest against Brighton.

Chelsea have won just two out of their last five games in the Premier League as their season seems to be heading in the wrong direction.

• READ MORE: What Cole Palmer is thinking about Enzo Maresca following Chelsea’s poor run of form

Enzo Maresca says Tyrique George could replace Nicolas Jackson ahead of Brighton vs Chelsea

While Maresca will be relieved that his side are still in the top four, Manchester City and Newcastle United are just two points behind them currently — with Nicolas Jackson being sidelined for a few weeks further hampering their chances of getting results.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	24	17	6	1	58	23	35	57
2	ArsenalArsenal	24	14	8	2	49	22	27	50
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	24	14	5	5	40	27	13	47
4	ChelseaChelsea	24	12	7	5	47	31	16	43
5	Man CityManchester City	24	12	5	7	48	35	13	41
6	NewcastleNewcastle	24	12	5	7	42	29	13	41

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has claimed Tyrique George could replace Jackson against Brighton, as well as Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.

“Could be a solution. Pedro [Neto], Noni [Madeuke] or even Tyrique [George], they can try and be a solution for us.”

However, Enzo Maresca ruled out the possibility of Jadon Sancho playing up front.

“Jadon [Sancho] has different kind of skills. When you don’t have a proper nine, you need to use a different kind of nine but you need to change the way you play. We will find a solution.”

Chelsea are unhappy with Jackson’s displays but even so, the absence of a focal point can hurt any team and if George is played up front, it’s safe to say that the 19-year-old will have a huge challenge on his hands.

It seems likelier that Enzo Maresca will simply play experienced players such as Neto or Madueke to replace Jackson.

How many games could Nicolas Jackson miss through injury for Chelsea?

The former Leicester City boss will be hoping that either of them can prove to be a solution.

Otherwise, young George will have to step up to the mantle and play out of position from being a natural left-winger to play as a striker. With Guiu also out injured, Enzo Maresca has an injury crisis up top on his hands.

But compromises will have to be made by some of Chelsea’s forwards, with BBC Sport reporting that Jackson is set to be ruled out for six weeks with an injury. The Senegalese marksman could now miss games against Brighton, Aston Villa, Southampton, Leicester City and Arsenal as he is expected to return after March’s international break, which is a major worry for Enzo Maresca.