The Chelsea forward will keep an eye on the latest developments for the Lions of Teranga even though Nicolas Jackson withdrew from Senegal’s squad for the international break to receive treatment for a wrist ailment. The Blues striker, who had been using a support bandage in previous games, will miss an exhibition game against Cameroon after undergoing surgery.
He has not yet joined Aliou Cisse’s team, but the operation is not expected to keep him out for very long as Chelsea prepares for their Premier League fixture against Arsenal when domestic football returns. All eyes in Senegal will be on the next phase of their African Cup of Nations campaign even though he doesn’t miss a qualifying game.
Jackson will learn who his squad will play in the competition when the draw is done on Thursday night. The event begins in January. Senegal, the current AFCON winners after Edouard Mendy assisted them in winning the championship in 2022, will attempt to defend their title and go to the competition’s final day on February 11.
In that instance, the former Chelsea goalkeeper maintained his composure as Senegal overcame Egypt in the competition’s championship game. After 120 minutes without a goal, Mohanad Lasheen was stopped by Mendy, allowing Sadio Mane to convert the go-ahead penalty.
With this edition of the tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire, the draw will take place in the same country at Parc Des Expositions in Abidjan with Senegal awaiting their fate. Unsurprisingly, Jackson’s side are in pot one for the draw, alongside other giants in the shape of Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. Their opponents will be drawn from: Pot 2: Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, DR Congo Pot 3: South Africa, Cape Verde, Guinea, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritania Pot 4: Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, Gambia, Tanzania
Should Jackson is chosen, Chelsea shouldn’t see any interruption besides Jackson’s absence. After making his Senegal debut less than a year ago, the former Villarreal forward has four caps. During that time, he assisted against Brazil and Benin.
If Hakim Ziyech and David Datro Fofana were selected for the Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire squads, respectively, the Blues loan army might have more presence in the competition.