John Obi Mikel has insisted Nicolas Jackson needs to “have a look at himself” following Chelsea’s defeat against Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
The Blues suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat against their Brazilian counterparts despite leading 1-0 at half time through a Pedro Neto goal.
However, Chelsea fell apart in six calamitous second half minutes where they conceded twice, and Jackson was sent off for a horror challenge just four minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Mikel offers Jackson words of advice
It wasn’t a good day for Jackson who was celebrating his 24th birthday and that red card was his second in his last five games.
The 24-year-old will serve a one game ban, although FIFA could decide to extend it should they feel the situation warrants it.
Nicolas Jackson looks pained after a red card.
Jackson was sent off for the second time in his last five games. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)
Jackson issued a lengthy apology on Instagram after the game, but he’s now handed Liam Delap a huge opportunity to stake his claim as the number one striker going into next season.
The Senegal international is coming off the back of a difficult campaign where he managed just ten Premier League goals and questions have been asked about his future.
Jackson has been linked with a shock move to Manchester United, and Mikel has urged the striker to “have a look at himself.”
“Nicolas Jackson needs to have a look at himself and think where he wants his Chelsea career to go from here,” he told DAZN as cited on X.com.
“The manager has brought in a striker in Liam Delap, and now if the manager starts to doubt you, if he keeps making mistakes and letting his team-mates and the club down, then it is time for Delap to start the games.”
Chelsea looking for a versatile forward
Whilst question marks over Jackson’s future are likely to increase following his sending off, the Blues are in the market for a versatile forward.
Chelsea have been linked with Hugo Ekitike, Mohammed Kudus and Joao Pedro, but are yet to make an official move for any of them.
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Enzo Maresca looks on from the touchline during Chelsea's defeat against Flamengo.
John Obi Mikel arrives at an award ceremony.
Nicolas Jackson looks pained after a red card.
Frankfurt are insisting on €100m for Ekitike, whilst West Ham are thought to be willing to accept less than Kudus’ £85m release clause.
Pedro is also attracting interest from Newcastle and it’s believed the Seagulls are looking for in the region of £60m for the Brazil international.