Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that his side missed the presence of Nicolas Jackson during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Blues had been hoping to stay in the hunt for two pieces of silverware by progressing from the FA Cup fourth round tie at the Amex Stadium.
Instead, Maresca witnessed his side let slip an early lead to bow out on the South coast, extending their recent run to just three victories from 10 matches in all competitions.
Maresca had to do without forward duo Jackson and Marc Guiu, who suffered hamstring and groin injuries versus West Ham United earlier in the week.
Christopher Nkunku deputised for the latter without taking his opportunity down the middle of the attack, and Maresca has admitted that Jackson's absence was a significant blow.
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'You realise how important they are'
When speaking to reporters at a press conference after the game, Maresca suggested that Jackson's importance to how he wants his side to play was highlighted.
The Italian said: "Sometimes I think you need to play games without players to realise how important they are.
"We said many times about Nico: he is important on and off the ball. Off the ball, his intensity is very good and on the ball, he is always a threat.
"Overall, even without Nico, the game was both. We started the game very good. In the first half, probably the only shot on goal they had was the goal.
"We controlled, we created some chances and the second half, more or less it happened the same - probably the only shot on goal was the second goal."
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More than just goals
Despite not scoring since December 15, Jackson still possesses a record of nine goals and five assists from his 23 appearances in the Premier League this season.
Much is made of his inconsistency in front of goal, but Chelsea look a less-effective side without the presence of the 23-year-old.
Maresca is hopeful that the Senegal international will be in a position to return next time out, Chelsea again making the trip to Brighton for a Premier League fixture on February 14.
Darren Plant
