Christopher Nkunku has dropped a hint that he could start Chelsea's Premier League trip to Brighton tonight. The Frenchman has started just THREE top-flight matches this season but is expected to be handed a rare start at the Amex Stadium with Nicolas Jackson not available after injuring his hamstring.

Reports confirmed on Wednesday that Jackson is anticipated to be out until at least April with a muscle issue he suffered against West Ham earlier this month. Marc Guiu is also sidelined after he picked up a groin injury in the same game - a problem that is set to rule him out for most of the season.

With Jackson and Guiu unavailable, the opportunity is expected to knock for Nkunku to come into the Chelsea XI and showcase his qualities. The 27-year-old, who was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in January, stayed at the Blues and now has the chance to cement his place in the side.

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Although Nkunku started last Saturday's clash with Brighton in the FA Cup, the last time he started a Premier League game was back in December, so this could be a massive chance for him. And in the lead-up to the Blues' trip to the south coast, Nkunku hinted he could be in Enzo Maresca's line-up.

In an Instagram story, Nkunku posted a simple matchday graphic which included four small images of the Amex, Nkunku in action, Chelsea flags waving around, the Premier League badge and details of the game.

Nkunku has scored 13 times and added four assists in 31 matches across all competitions for Chelsea this season. While Maresca stressed that Nkunku is not an out-and-out No.9, he believes he can continue to be an important asset for Blues, starting with the trip to Brighton on Friday.

"Christo is a solution but not the only solution," he said. "I said many times I consider Christo a very important player from the start. Now also with the transfer window closed, everyone is here and he can help us until the end. We are working to find a different solution. It can be Christo but also a different kind of player.

"I said since day one that Christo is not a nine, he is an attacking midfielder. We know very well that Christo is not a nine. They (Nkunku and Jackson) are different on the ball and off the ball.

"Sometimes we complain about players but then when they don’t play, you realise how important they are. He [Jackson] didn’t play against Brighton and then everyone was thinking it is difficult to play without a nine. We know exactly how good Nico is on and off the ball. Christo is completely different on and off the ball."