'Serious' - Chelsea hit with new injury blow as statement released handing Enzo Maresca nightmare

Nicolas Jackson has sustained a “serious” ankle injury while on international duty for Senegal, with doubt over his recovery timeline.

The attacker exited his country’s 1-1 World Cup qualifier against DR Congo late on last week and missed Sunday’s 1-0 win over Mauritania. The 22-year-old has undergone MRI scans which have shown that the striker has sustained significant ankle damage.

Chelsea’s first pre-season game under new boss Enzo Maresca sees them take on Wrexham in California on July 25 amid their tour of the USA, which means Jackson has just over six weeks to recover if he is to make the friendly.

A statement from the Senegalese FA reads: “Nicolas Jackson injured his right ankle during the Senegal-DRC match on June 6, 2024. Radiology examinations (MRI) carried out on June 7 revealed a serious sprain of the ankle.”

Jackson was Chelsea’s second top scorer behind Cole Palmer last season, netting 17 times in 44 matches under previous boss Mauricio Pochettino. It is uncertain where Jackson fits into new coach Maresca’s plans.

The forward has been criticised for missing too many chances in his year at Stamford Bridge, something he admits he needs to amend. Speaking last month, Jackson said: "I think I should have scored more with the chances I missed.

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"It's good, but not what I wanted to be when I came. Even if I scored 10 or 15, the most important thing is for the team to be as high as possible and make the fans happy. Then the goals will come.

“I'm trying to improve every day. The most important [thing] is being available for the team, helping the team and playing. I miss a lot but I'm trying to create more chances and score more. Hopefully next year it's going to be better."