With Nicolas Jackson currently unavailable through suspension, it leaves a huge void at Chelsea in the striker position.
Nicolas Jackson, 23, has been the first-choice striker at Stamford Bridge in the last two seasons. When he’s not on the pitch, Chelsea do struggle to find suitable cover for the No 9 spot.
Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Newcastle United earlier in May means he’s suspended for the final two games of the Premier League season.
The Blues coped without Jackson in the 1-0 home victory against Manchester United last Friday. However, can they do the same on the final day for the difficult trip to Nottingham Forest, which is, in theory, a shootout for Champions League qualification?
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Martin Keown likes Tyrique George as the Nicolas Jackson cover
In Chelsea’s win against Man Utd, Blues manager Enzo Maresca put his faith in Tyrique George to start as the central striker in place of the suspended Jackson.
The 19-year-old attacker, who’s a winger by trade, ran his socks off up top for 81 minutes. Even though he didn’t provide much of a goal threat, he sprinted about and showed some great movement.
According to Martin Keown, Chelsea youngster George is the best replacement for Jackson in the squad.
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“Chelsea have won four of their last five league games but are severely hampered by the absence of Nicolas Jackson,” Keown told The Daily Mail.
“His movement in behind has been critical to giving Cole Palmer the space and options to work his magic.
“No Chelsea player has made more high-intensity runs in the league this season. Without Jackson, they become too predictable in wide areas…
“Christopher Nkunku has not convinced, too often drifting towards the ball instead of running in behind.
“Academy graduate Tyrique George gave a welcome balance against United last week and brings a similar threat to Jackson.”
Enzo Maresca backed Tyrique George after his performance against Man Utd by admitting he would be prepared to start him again as the team’s centre-forward.
Minutes played Goals Assists Total shots Accurate passes Chances created Touches in opposition box Match rating
81 0 0 0 5/8 (63%) 1 1 6.6
Chelsea’s Tyrique George vs Manchester United via FOTMOB
Will George be handed the responsibility in the league showdown against Forest this weekend?
Interestingly, Chelsea have a double injury boost ahead of the Forest fixture. It’s been confirmed that Blues attackers Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are available for selection again after both spending time on the sidelines recently through injury.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What Noni Madueke said about Tyrique George before his senior debut
Without a doubt, George is a talented youngster after earning a promotion from the academy to the first-team squad at Chelsea this season.
We’re not totally convinced by the idea of starting him again as the No 9 against Forest because of the sheer importance of the fixture, but it’s great to see the manager’s faith in him.
Back in February 2024, Noni Madueke tipped Tyrique George for big things. Madueke posted on George’s Instagram: “They will know soon.”
If you skip to the modern day, they are now teammates in the senior dressing room.