Chelsea’s pursuit of a top-five Premier League finish and a coveted Champions League spot has been complicated by the suspension of striker Nicolas Jackson.

Jackson received a red card for an elbow on Newcastle’s Sven Botman, resulting in a season-ending suspension. This leaves manager Enzo Maresca without a recognized striker for the crucial final fixtures.

Compounding the issue, backup striker Marc Guiu is sidelined with a groin injury, further limiting Chelsea’s attacking options. So what are Chelsea’s options? 

Tyrique George: The 18-year-old academy graduate has been training with the first team and is considered a promising talent. Maresca has previously mentioned George as a potential replacement for Jackson, highlighting his readiness to step up.

False Nine Formation: With limited striker options, Maresca might deploy a false nine system, utilizing players like Cole Palmer or Neto in central attacking roles. This approach could leverage their creativity and movement to unsettle opposing defences.

Christopher Nkunku: The French forward, though not a traditional striker, has experience leading the line. Maresca has acknowledged Nkunku as a potential solution, stating, “Christo could be one of the solutions, but he’s not the only solution.” Nkunku may, however, not feature for the Blues against Manchester United, but Maresca is hopeful he will feature in the last Premier League game against Nottingham Forest.

As they face Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their final league matches, Maresca’s tactical decisions will be pivotal in securing Champions League qualification.

The situation also highlights the need for strategic planning in the upcoming transfer window, with Chelsea reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of a new striker to bolster their attacking options. In the meantime, the Blues must navigate their current challenges with resilience and tactical ingenuity.