Jackson 'is going to have all my support' - Pochettino

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says players like Nicolas Jackson are "always going to lose" if they are compared with club legends like Didier Drogba.

The 22-year-old, who arrived from Villarreal in the summer, missed a number of big chances in the Blues' 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City on Saturday.

The forward has had a mixed first season with the club, scoring 13 goals and making five assists across 37 games.

"The first season is always difficult for players - especially when you are in a position like a striker... and every single touch is expected to score goals," Pochettino said.

"He is the only striker we have fit. [Christopher] Nkunku is out and then [Armando] Broja moved to Fulham to play more. [Jackson] is doing fantastic - an amazing job for team - running, scoring goals and giving assists.

"If you compare to players like Didier Drogba they're always going to lose. We split the history of the club with the performance of the team and Jackson. He is going to have all my support."

Chelsea will be hoping the Senegal international can put the missed chances behind him as they chase European positions in the Premier League table, beginning with a trip to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Tuesday.

"Even if he doesn't score, he is fighting for the club and for the team and producing some chances," added Pochettino.

"He needs time to improve. He will be better next season - no doubt. He just needs to keep going."