Nicolas Jackson sends message to Chelsea fans after FA Cup exit at Brighton
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has sent a message on social media after his team’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
Chelsea were knocked out by Brighton despite taking the lead inside five minutes through a Bart Verbruggen own goal.
Georginio Rutter equalised just seven minutes later, and Kaoru Mitoma’s controversial winner sealed the Blues’ exit from the competition.
Chelsea fans were frustrated about injuries when it was confirmed that both Marc Guiu and Jackson would miss the game, leaving the team with limited striker options.
Despite not featuring, Jackson still took to social media to show his support for his teammates.
Enzo Maresca continues to back Nicolas Jackson
The striker posted on Instagram after the loss, sharing a picture of the team in a huddle with a blue heart emoji as the caption.
With numerous injuries and departures, Chelsea are expected to give more opportunities to Christopher Nkunku, but Jackson remains the preferred option for Enzo Maresca.
He has featured 24 times this season, starting 22 Premier League games, while the Frenchman has started just three.
His limited game time was one of the reasons why Nkunku was linked with a move to Manchester United, but a transfer never materialised.
Chelsea must recover after Brighton defeat
Football Insider Verdict
Maresca’s side are now out of both domestic cup competitions and sit fourth in the league, with Manchester City and Newcastle just two points behind.
Jackson is currently on an eight-game goal drought, though he has registered two assists in that time.
With injuries mounting, his role in the team will become even more crucial once he returns to the starting lineup.
Chelsea now turn their attention to another clash with the Seagulls on Friday (14 February), where they will look to bounce back and seek revenge for their FA Cup exit.