Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace, with plenty of new faces in west London.
Enzo Maresca has added the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap to his squad since the last time Chelsea met Crystal Palace, and the Blues can also call themselves FIFA Club World Cup champions heading into this London derby.
There will – however – be no sign of Nicolas Jackson.
Nicolas Jackson to miss Chelsea vs Crystal Palace after red card against Newcastle
You may remember the Senegal international received a straight red card towards the end of last season, as Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Jackson sat out the following matches against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest due to the resulting three-match ban, although suspensions actually carry over into the new season, meaning the Chelsea No.15 must serve the final game of his ban in the clash against Crystal Palace.
However, even if the 24-year-old stayed out of trouble, Maresca has his own ideas.
Enzo Maresca admits he would have left Nicolas Jackson out anyway
TBR Football understand Newcastle are considering a move for Jackson – who is looking to leave Chelsea after the arrivals of Pedro and Delap.
As the man born in Banjul attempts to sort out his future, Maresca admitted he would not feature for Chelsea – presumably in case an injury scuppered a transfer.
The Italian said during his pre-match press conference on Friday: “He is training with us but he is not going to be involved. You know the situation already. The window is open, he can leave and we (will) see.”
If at first you don't succeed, try again 🎯
After missing a golden chance, Nicolas Jackson bounced back in style to score his ninth goal of the season! 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IUY6gshBSa
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 18, 2024
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Aston Villa have also shown interest in Jackson – Unai Emery worked with the Chelsea outcast at Villarreal, and handed him a debut for the Spanish side back in 2021.
In regards to Newcastle, the Magpies are also expected to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford, with that deal unlikely to have any interference over a potential arrival for Jackson as well – depending on the future of Alexander Isak.