Five possible replacements for Nicolas Jackson after injury WORRY

10 Jun 2024 17:30 BST
4 min read

Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have been dealt another injury blow with news that Nicolas Jackson has suffered a serious ankle injury while on international duty with Senegal.

The 22-year-old was a key figure under Mauricio Pochettino last season and looked as though he’d nailed down a spot as Chelsea’s starting striker.

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However, Jackson has now sprained his right ankle, with the Senegal FA describing the injury as “serious.”

Although the start of the Premier League season isn’t until August, Chelsea will be worried about Jackson’s injury and could be forced to start the campaign without their No.15.

Below, FootballTransfers takes a look at five possible replacements for Jackson.

Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)

Benjamin Sesko is one of Chelsea’s key summer transfer targets, but the Blues face significant competition from their London rivals Arsenal.

The Slovenia international has excelled since joining RB Leipzig and looks destined for a Premier League move this summer.

In fact, it seems inevitable that Sesko will join either Chelsea or Arsenal, however Jackson’s injury may increase the pressure on Todd Boehly to secure a deal.

Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)

Although Christopher Nkunku isn’t a natural number nine, and is better playing behind a central striker, the Frenchman is capable of filling the hole left by Jackson.

He endured an injury-hit first campaign at Stamford Bridge and will be hoping to fare far better in 2024-25.

Enzo Maresca typically likes his striker to drop deep and link play, which could suit Nkunku’s strengths perfectly, meaning he could feasibly be deployed as Chelsea’s number nine in Jackson’s absence.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Chelsea’s interest in Victor Osimhen has seriously cooled over the past few weeks and a pursuit now looks increasingly unlikely.

The Nigeria international is still expected to leave Napoli, but a move to Chelsea isn’t expected to happen.

However, if the Blues believe Jackson could miss the start of the 2024-25 season and they want a proven replacement, Osimhen could be a great option, despite his huge price tag.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)

Kelechi Iheanacho is a wildcard shout to say the least, but Osimhen’s international team-mate is available on a free transfer this summer and would therefore be a low-risk signing for Chelsea.

He will leave Leicester when his contract expires at the end of June and given Jackson’s injury isn’t expected to keep him sidelined for too long, Iheanacho could be a sensible addition.

The 27-year-old has Premier League experience, with 42 goals, 25 assists and nearly 200 appearances in the competition, and would be an able back-up to Jackson.

Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)

Joshua Zirkzee is on the verge of joining AC Milan as their replacement for Olivier Giroud, but Chelsea could be tempted by a late hijack in the aftermath of Jackson’s injury news.

The Dutchman is also wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United after a fabulous season at Bologna, however they look set to miss out with Milan close to finalising a deal.

Zirkzee would be a shrewd acquisition for Chelsea, and he would add real quality to their attack, but the Blues will need to act extremely quickly if they want to secure a move.