Chelsea’s turbulent season has taken another hit, with leading striker Nicolas Jackson set to be sidelined for several weeks due to injury. The Senegalese forward, who has been a key presence in attack with nine goals and five assists in 23 Premier League appearances, is expected to return in late March or early April. With backup striker Marc Guiu also nursing an injury sustained against West Ham United, the Blues find themselves without a recognized No. 9 heading into a crucial period of the campaign.
How Can Chelsea Cope Without Jackson? A Tactical Switch Could Be the Answer
With no natural striker available, the burden of leading the line is likely to fall on Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman has displayed glimpses of his attacking prowess in the UEFA Conference League but has struggled to make a significant impact in the Premier League. His recent performance in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton underscored his difficulties in the role, as he often dropped too deep in search of possession, leaving Chelsea without a focal point in attack.
A tactical switch could provide a much-needed solution. One potential adjustment would be restoring Cole Palmer to his favored right-wing position, where he has been most effective. Additionally, Malo Gusto’s struggles in an inverted fullback role have left Chelsea vulnerable defensively. Both of Brighton’s FA Cup goals came from the right flank, highlighting the need for a rethink.
A tactical tweak could see Marc Cucurella take over the inverting fullback role, where he has previously excelled. This shift would allow Gusto to remain part of a back three, easing his defensive burden while still enabling him to contribute in attack. With Gusto staying deeper, Palmer would have the freedom to exploit the right flank effectively.
Deploying Nkunku in a False Nine Role
Nkunku, while a capable finisher, thrives in a deeper role, functioning best as a second striker or attacking midfielder. In recent games, he has frequently dropped deeper to get involved in build-up play. A false nine system could be an ideal workaround, allowing Nkunku to operate in his preferred playmaking role rather than as an out-and-out striker.
This setup could see Nkunku supported by Palmer on the right and Enzo Fernández drifting forward from the left. Fernández’s tendency to make late runs into the box could complement Nkunku’s playmaking abilities, reducing the Frenchman’s need to stay high up the pitch and make off-the-ball runs—an aspect of his game that remains underdeveloped.
Upcoming Fixtures: A Crucial Test for Chelsea
Chelsea face a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks. They first travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton before heading to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on February 22. However, the schedule also provides some respite, with matches against relegation-threatened Southampton and Leicester City offering potential opportunities to stabilize their form before a daunting London derby against Arsenal in March.
With Jackson expected to return in April, Chelsea will need Nkunku and their supporting cast to step up in his absence. How Enzo Maresca navigates this period could prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of Chelsea’s season.