Nicolas Jackson will miss out on a hero's welcome on the opening day of the 2025/26 Premier League season, thanks to an existing match ban.
Chelsea will return to Stamford Bridge as Conference League winners, after beating Real Betis 4-1 in the final in May this year. Goals from Enzo Fernandez, Jadon Sancho, Moises Caicedo and Jackson secured the historic victory, which meant that the Blues have lifted every single European title available in football.
However, Jackson will not take to the pitch for Chelsea's opening day game against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 17.
The 23-year-old is currently serving a three-match domestic ban after receiving a red card against Newcastle United on May 11.
The Senegal international was handed his marching orders after elbowing Sven Botman in the first half of the game.
John Brooks shows a red card to Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea after clashing with Sven Botman of Newcastle United.
Nicolas Jackson was sent off in Chelsea's game against Newcastle United last season (Image: Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
The game ended in a 2-0 loss for the Blues, leaving their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance.
However, a 1-0 win away to Nottingham Forest on the final day secured a top-four finish for Enzo Maresca's side, who finished just two points behind former Premier League champions Manchester City.
Jackson served two of his three banned games against Forest and Manchester United, and will see his restrictions lifted following the first 2025/26 fixture against Palace.
Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea pulls his shirt over his face after being shown a red card for clashing with Sven Botman of Newcastle United.
Nicolas Jackson will miss the first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
While the young striker will be able to return to the starting XI for the Blues' second league match of the season against West Ham, manager Maresca does have other options.
The Italian has a new forward to utilise in the form of Liam Delap, who made the move from Ipswich Town to Chelsea for £30million earlier in June.
French striker Christopher Nkunku is also available to Maresca as well, although he has been linked with an exit this summer.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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