Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson made his first appearance for the club in over a year during their pre-season defeat against Juventus, although he was subbed off after coming on.
Jackson replaced Danny Welbeck at half-time after the new striker made his first appearance for the club, with him getting the nod over Liam Delap as the first attacking change.
There was much change to the Chelsea side in the second half, which did not help Xabi Alonso’s side in their quest to gain control of the game.
Chelsea player ratings vs Juventus
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Nicolas Jackson offered to come off for Mykhailo Mudryk during Chelsea vs Juventus
Similar to Omari Kellyman, Jackson was victim of the dreaded substitute being subbed off, when Mykhailo Mudryk replaced him for the final few minutes of the game.
It was the Ukraine international’s first appearance in nearly two years for the club following his anti-doping suspension being overturned, and as per Bobby Vincent the whole situation was planned pre-game.
Chelsea v Juventus - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
He stated: “Nicolas Jackson was subbed off after around 37 minutes following his half-time introduction. This was to allow Mykhailo Mudryk his moment. It was agreed between Xabi Alonso and Jackson pre-match. Fantastic touch from the Chelsea striker.”
The futures of both Jackson and Mudryk remain up in the air, with both looking to prove a point to Alonso on this pre-season tour.
Jackson and Mudryk facing tough tasks to remain at Chelsea
The boss will have learnt a lot about the striker’s attitude with him giving up his own gametime to allow Mudryk his big moment.
He is currently competing for a place in the side with Joao Pedro, Welbeck and Delap, although the latter is still also linked with a move away.
As for Mudryk, he is facing competition from Morgan Rogers and Jamie Gittens for a starting spot, with other clubs also monitoring his position.
One of those his Frank Lampard’s Coventry City, with the Chelsea legend looking at the possibility of reuniting with his former player at Stamford Bridge from 2023.