Enzo Maresca will have to make at least one change on Friday when Chelsea face Manchester United.
The Italian will be without Nicolas Jackson, who is suspended following the red card he received in Chelsea‘s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United last Sunday.
Maresca did not even want to acknowledge Jackson as he made his way to the dressing room, showing just how frustrated the Chelsea manager was.
And given his lack of options up front, it is understandable. Jackson was the only recognised striker Chelsea had available.
Darren Bent tips Tyrique George to get the nod
One player Maresca could turn to on Friday is Tyrique George. George is still only 19 years of age and is a winger, but the English youngster has led the line a couple of times for Chelsea this season.
Former Premier League forward Darren Bent would not be shocked if that was the route Maresca went down.
Discussing Chelsea’s current striker situation on talkSPORT, he said: “I mean probably Tyrique George will probably be the one who goes up front if you believe he’s the right player or play a false nine, maybe [Pedro] Neto or someone.”
Marc Guiu is thought to be closing in on a return to action, but Friday’s game may come too soon for him.
Chelsea feel that Guiu’s injury has impacted them, with the Spain youth international being the only other natural centre-forward in their squad.
He has done well in the Conference League this season, scoring six goals in six games, including a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers.
Darren Bent’s honest assessment of Nicolas Jackson
Jackson arrived at Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, and Bent thinks he has done well in a blue shirt.
In total, the Senegal international has scored 24 goals in 65 Premier League appearances, which is not the worst record for a young striker who has not been playing in England for too long.
However, while Bent is a fan, the ex-Tottenham Hotspur star still thinks Chelsea can do better than him.
| Jackson’s Premier League stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 30 | 10 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | 35 | 14 | 5 |
| Total | 65 | 24 | 10 |
On the same talkSPORT show, Bent said: “I like him, Nicolas Jackson, but I do think Chelsea could find better. He’s done really well, but I think we’re almost judging him and saying he’s done really well because they haven’t had a striker for so long.”
Chelsea could sign an upgrade on Jackson this summer in their bid to have a more consistent season next term. It has been reported that Chelsea still have an interest in Victor Osimhen after trying to bring him in last year.
