Striker RETURNS to Chelsea training in BOOST for Enzo Maresca | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson has returned to Chelsea training following injury in a huge boost for Enzo Maresca ahead of the run-in.

Jackson has been sidelined since the start of February with a muscular injury picked up in the victory over West Ham and Chelsea’s frontline has been severely impacted by his absence.

The 23-year-old was spotted in first-team training today as the Blues step up their preparations for key fixtures after the international break.

Chelsea host Tottenham at the start of next month before travelling to Brentford and then facing a trip to Warsaw in their UEFA Conference League quarter-final tie.

By the time they face Spurs, Maresca’s side will have had a near three-week break since their last match – a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal and the interval has been important for many players to regain full fitness.

Fellow forward Cole Palmer, who is also struggling with a muscular problem, could well return for the clash against Spurs too, while Noni Madueke and Marc Guiu may also be in line to make their comebacks.

After a strong start to the season, where Chelsea were competing with Liverpool at the top of the league, the Blues had suffered a blip over the Christmas period and into the New Year.

However, four wins on the spin in all competitions before the defeat to Arsenal has seen the Blues occupy fourth spot, with hopes of a return to the Champions League looking promising.

The return to fitness of several key players could serve as perfect timing for Maresca and will see Chelsea as strong favourites to finish in the Champions League places.

Before injury, Jackson had scored nine in 24 appearances in all competitions this season but hadn’t netted since the home victory over Brentford on December 15.

Chelsea will need the Senegalese forward to rediscover his top form and fire the Blues to a top-four finish and a potential European trophy.