Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been surprisingly omitted from the squad for the Blues' pre-season clash against Bayer Leverkusen, sparking speculation over his role in the team.
The 22-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last summer, was expected to feature in the friendly as part of his preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign. However, manager Enzo Maresca has opted to leave him out, alongside several other first-team players.
What Does This Mean for Jackson's Future?
Jackson's absence raises questions about whether he remains in Maresca's plans for the new season. The Senegalese international showed flashes of potential last term but struggled with consistency in front of goal.
With Chelsea actively pursuing attacking reinforcements, including a potential move for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, Jackson could find himself further down the pecking order.
Chelsea's Pre-Season Plans
The Blues are using their pre-season fixtures to fine-tune tactics and assess squad depth ahead of a demanding 2024/25 season. Their match against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen is seen as a key test before the Premier League kicks off.
Other notable absentees from the squad include Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka, who are both managing minor fitness concerns.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Jackson returns for Chelsea's subsequent friendlies or if this omission signals the beginning of the end for his Stamford Bridge career.
