Chelsea's injury problems continue as £30m striker suffers 'serious' knee problem on international duty

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out of Senegal’s game against Mauritania due to what the medical team describe as an ankle sprain. The 22-year-old was forced off in the closing stages of Senegal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Jackon who was signed from Villareal last summer for £30million was one of the fittest players last season for Chelsea, barely missing a game and starting as the club’s lead striker, bagging 17 goals and six assists in 44 games.

He was also one of the most improved players in the team as Chelsea raced from 11th on the league table to finish an impressive sixth and qualify for the Europa Conference League. 

Senegal are due to play Mauritania in their next World Cup qualifier this evening but the medical team have confirmed that Jackson has been forced to withdraw from the squad for the game.

“Jackson has suffered serious ankle injury to his right ankle and following an MRI scan and will not be involved in the game tomorrow,” a statement from the Senegalese Football Federation said. 

Chelsea will be hoping that the issue is not too bad and he will be ready for pre-season when the team assemble later next month for the first time under newly appointed manager Enzo Maresca. 

The Blues are in the transfer market for another striker but there is no doubt that Jackson will be a part of the new manager's plans as they aim to improve on the league position of the just-ended campaign and bring the best out of a group of players that were assembled for £1billion.