Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been let down in recent games by numerous high-profile errors by striker Nicolas Jackson.
The striker was sent off just minutes after coming onto the pitch against Flamengo in their second Club World Cup group stage game, which they ended up losing 3-1.
Jackson’s original one-game ban was upgraded to two, meaning he is unavailable for the Round of 16 tie against Benfica.
With a suspension already in place for the first Premier League game of next season, Liam Delap has been handed the perfect chance to secure his place as the regular striker at Stamford Bridge to start the season.
Nicolas Jackson watches on from the bench during CR Flamengo v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca no longer sees Nicolas Jackson as key to his Chelsea plans
Reports have claimed Jackson is no longer untouchable at Chelsea, with him clearly not learning his lesson from being sent off late last season against Newcastle.
Now, according to journalist Nicolo Schira, the manager has decided he will not be relying on the striker as a key part of his plans at the club.
He said: “Nicolas Jackson is no longer central in Enzo Maresca’s Plans and he could leave Chelsea in the summer transfer window.”
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After Jackson found appearances easy to come by in Maresca’s first season at the club, it looks as if the manager has his eyes on another solution in the form of Delap.
Now though, with it looking as if Jackson is the number two, he will likely not be content with his role.
Enzo Maresca looks on following Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Chelsea’s potential Nicolas Jackson replacements
Despite already securing the services of the English striker, reports have claimed that the club remain interested in another number nine this summer.
Jackson was unhappy at Chelsea’s interest in more strikers, with Hugo Ekitike remaining a name on their shortlist.
However, Eintracht Frankfurt are holding out for a big fee to part ways with the Frenchman, meaning the Blues could have to look elsewhere.
They have been linked to Strasbourg’s Emmanuel Emegha, whilst also having versatile options in the form of Joao Pedro and Mohammed Kudus on their shortlist.