Nicolas Jackson could be unavailable for Chelsea selection for over a month
If Senegal, the tournament favorites’, advances to the Africa Cup of Nations final on February 11, Chelsea may be without Nicolas Jackson for over a month. Despite receiving a lot of criticism this season, the 22-year-old striker has still managed to score an astounding eight goals.
Jackson has occasionally shown himself to be wasteful in front of goal, but his return is really strong considering how young and inexperienced he is. The match against Luton Town was the last time we will see the striker in a Chelsea shirt for the foreseeable future, as he is scheduled to travel to Africa at some point this week to meet up with his friends from Senegal.
The Senegal international showed his class in the thrilling victory at Kenilworth Road, despite not having his best game for the Blues. Jackson produced a superb turn to gain some space and completely spin his man. Cole Palmer then received an inch-perfect through pass from Jackson, who rounded the keeper to score his second goal of the Bedfordshire game.
Although stadiumposts knows that Chelsea is aiming to sign a striker this month, the team will not be pressured to make the purchase if they don’t think the perfect player is available. In any case, Mauricio Pochettino demonstrated in the victory over Luton that he already has a Jackson stand-in ready for the team.
That’s how Christopher Nkunku is. Jackson technically played on the left flank that day, but the 26-year-old entered the game in the second half at Kenilworth Road and was utilised across the centre as Chelsea’s lone No. 9. Since his comeback from injury last month, Nkunku has played 152 minutes in all competitions, but he has only made one start.
The long-term role that Nkunku will play for Chelsea has been discussed and deliberated. As Pochettino learns more about the gifted France international, his adaptability is already a huge plus. Eventually, we will have a better idea.
“At the moment he is coming back from injury his best position is more like a 10 or a nine, more than the left or right side like a winger,” Pochettino stated a month ago. “It’s better in these positions to handle the demands of the Premier League and what the team needs.”
“At this point, he is beginning to comprehend the Premier League, the aggressive nature of the clubs, and how the game differs greatly from that played in other nations. He benefits from having more minutes. He will gradually adjust, but getting points will hasten that process.”
Chelsea may also consider Armando Broja, a 22-year-old striker who has made 14 appearances for the team in all competitions this season, but he has only managed one goal. After missing several months due to a significant knee injury, Broja just made a full recovery and is still striving to get back to his peak physical state.
StadiumPosts is aware of Right now, Broja is content at Chelsea. However, if he falls farther down the ladder and another No. 9 is added to the team, things might change.
However, with Jackson in Africa for the next month or so, Broja—who started through the centre against Luton over the weekend—is anticipated to play a major role for Chelsea. When Preston North End visits Stamford Bridge for the FA Cup’s third round this weekend, it may be the beginning of everything.
