Enzo Maresca will likely have been cursing his luck when it came to injuries to the Chelsea first team squad before the international break.
The manager had been missing a number of key stars already, however his misery was compounded when star attacker Cole Palmer was branded unavailable for their most recent game against Arsenal.
The Blues suffered without him, and while he wasn’t fit enough to represent England, Palmer’s scan came back all clear and he is on the road to recovery.
Chelsea’s top performer over the last two seasons is actually enduring his worst run of form at the moment, with him without a goal in more than 10 games in all competitions.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Nicolas Jackson back in Chelsea training
Many have theorised that this has come due to the absence of Nicolas Jackson, who has not featured since the start of February when he was forced off with an injury in the win over West Ham.
Maresca stated Jackson would return after the international break, however didn’t specify when exactly the Senegal international would be available for selection.
That date looks as if it is going to come sooner rather than later, with pictures on the club’s 5th Stand App showing Jackson back in training.
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It is clear that the Chelsea players also believe the striker is a crucial part of their side. Levi Colwill previously described Jackson as ‘amazing’ for the impact he was having on them.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Jackson can unlock Cole Palmer
With no recognised striker on the pitch for nearly two months now, it has been hard for the Englishman to create chances in recent weeks.
Paul Merson believes Palmer plays better with Jackson, and he has been struggling due to everything being too compact without the Senegalese star’s running in behind.
Pedro Neto has filled the void as well as he can up front, however is clearly far more comfortable on the right wing, where he has often drifted to when making his runs.
Christopher Nkunku very much failed the test of featuring in the number nine role, and Chelsea can have faith that their season can be saved when Jackson returns.