Chelsea will be without striker Nicolas Jackson until after the next international break, leaving the club without a recognized "number 9" until the start of April.

Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson (front) breaks through during the FA Cup semifinal match between Manchester City and Chelsea in London, Britain, on April 20, 2024. (Xinhua)

The Senegalese forward, who has nine goals in the Premier League this season, tore his hamstring against West Ham a fortnight ago and although the club had hoped the injury was not serious, the BBC reports that scans have now shown Jackson could be sidelined for almost two months.

Chelsea also lost 19-year-old former Barcelona forward Marc Guiu in the same game after he suffered a groin strain after coming on to replace Jackson. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has admitted Guiu will be out of action for "weeks or months."

The confirmation of Jackson's injury leaves Cole Palmer as Chelsea's main attacking threat, with Christopher Nkunku giving support, although despite Palmer's 14 league goals, he is not a central striker, operating in a slightly deeper rule, while Nkunku has only two league goals and is happier operating as a second striker or an attacking midfielder.

Chelsea's next game is away to Brighton on Friday night, as they return to play the side who last weekend knocked them out of the fourth round of the FA Cup.