Nicolas Jackson’s future at Chelsea is uncertain as manager Enzo Maresca leaves him out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. Amid transfer rumors, including interest from Manchester United, Jackson’s playing time could be limited following the potential arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap. Chelsea’s focus on defensive reinforcements further complicates Jackson’s position, leaving his future at Stamford Bridge in doubt.
Amid swirling transfer speculation, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Nicolas Jackson will not feature in the Blues' Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. The news has intensified rumors surrounding the Senegalese international's future at Stamford Bridge, with a potential move away from the club appearing increasingly likely.
Jackson's absence from the squad raises questions about his role under Maresca, who took over the managerial reins this summer. Despite being contracted to Chelsea until 2033, the 24-year-old striker has found himself linked with several clubs, including Manchester United. His potential departure would mark a significant shift in Chelsea's attacking options, potentially paving the way for new signings or a greater emphasis on existing squad members.
Since arriving from Villarreal in June 2023, Jackson has made 81 appearances for Chelsea, netting 30 goals. While his goal-scoring record is respectable, there have been periods of inconsistency and questions over his overall suitability to the Premier League. Last season, he was one of only two Chelsea players to reach double figures in league goals, scoring 10 behind Cole Palmer's 13. However, his expected goals (xG) of 36.6 suggests that he could have converted more chances, indicating room for improvement in his finishing.
The potential arrival of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap at Chelsea further complicates Jackson's future. With increased competition for places in the attacking line, his playing time could be significantly limited in the upcoming 2025-26 season. These additions signal Maresca's intent to reshape Chelsea's attacking options, potentially making Jackson surplus to requirements.
Jackson's limited involvement in Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph and his absence from recent pre-season matches against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan have fueled speculation about his imminent departure. While Chelsea are not actively pushing for a sale, Maresca has admitted that the door is open for the striker to leave, acknowledging the ongoing transfer discussions.
"He is training with us, but he is not going to be involved [against Palace]," Maresca confirmed, indicating Jackson's exclusion from the immediate plans. When pressed about the likelihood of Jackson leaving, the Italian manager added: "You know the situation already. The window is open, he can leave, and we [will] see."
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with new signings. However, Maresca has also emphasized the need for defensive reinforcements following Levi Colwill's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The young center-back is expected to miss a significant portion of the season, leaving a void in Chelsea's defense.
"I think we need a central defender," Maresca stated, highlighting the importance of strengthening the defensive line. He emphasized the unique role of the central defender in his tactical system, describing them as key to recognizing solutions and breaking lines. The manager's focus on defensive stability underscores the importance of finding a suitable replacement for Colwill.
Chelsea's transfer activity reflects Maresca's desire to build a squad capable of competing for major honors. However, the potential departure of Nicolas Jackson raises questions about the balance and depth of the attacking options. As the transfer window progresses, Chelsea's strategic decisions will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike.
While Maresca appeared keen to add another forward player to his squad, he also highlighted the need for a defensive one as well due to Levi Colwill’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The centre-back is likely to miss the majority of the season, and Maresca noted how big a blow that was to his squad.
“I think we need a central defender,” Maresca said. “We are looking for an internal solution, but as I said, the club know exactly what I think.
“It’s different because the one in the middle is in the middle for a reason. He is the one that recognises solutions, he is the one most of the time that has to break lines. It’s not the same playing in the middle as playing on the left side.
“Then there are players that can do both. Levi, when Tosin [Adarabioyo] was playing in the middle, was on the left. But most of the time Levi was in the middle, and then we have Trev [Chalobah] or Cucu [Marc Cucurella], or Reece [James] or Cucu. They have different solutions. But the one in the middle in my way [of playing] is so, so, so important.”