Chelsea have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their return to Premier League action this weekend with confirmation that top-scorer Nicolas Jackson will spend some time on the side-lines.

The 23-year-old has scored nine times in 23 Premier League appearances so far this season - and he's established himself as the talisman for the team under Enzo Maresca. However, he suffered an injury in the last league outing against West Ham United.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that the striker could be ruled out until April, due to a hamstring problem. That has now been confirmed by Maresca in a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea's game against Brighton.

READ MORE: Nicolas Jackson responds to Chelsea injury truth as Enzo Maresca dealt latest blow

READ MORE: Jadon Sancho 'kicked out of WhatsApp group', spat with manager, Marcus Rashford outrage

"Nico will be out until the international break, probably available after the international break," Maresca said. The Chelsea boss also confirmed that fellow striker Marc Guiu will be 'out for a while'.

On Jackson, Maresca added: "We knew it was a muscular problem, but not how important it was. His reaction was good so we didn't think it was a big injury. Unfortunately he had the scan and it is an important one - he will be out for six to eight weeks."

The proposed timeline of his absence means Jackson will be forced to sit out some big games, both in the Premier League and in Europe. Here's our run-down of every match the striker could miss through injury;

The Chelsea games Nicolas Jackson could miss due to injury

Brighton (A) Friday, February 14, 8pm kick-off.

Aston Villa (A) Saturday, February 22, 5.30pm kick-off.

Southampton (H) Tuesday, February 25, 8.15pm kick-off.

Europa Conference League last-16 first leg - Thursday, March 6

Leicester City (H) Sunday, March 9, 2pm kick-off

Europa Conference League last-16 second leg - Thursday, March 13

Arsenal (A), Sunday 16 March