Pedro Neto sends two-word message to Nicolas Jackson after Chelsea latest
Nicolas Jackson’s long-term future at Chelsea is by no means secure despite starting in their Club World Cup opener.
Chelsea began their campaign in FIFA’s newly-revamped tournament with a comfortable 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in Atlanta on Monday, with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez in either half.
The latter’s game-clinching strike 11 minutes from time came via an assist from Blues debutant Liam Delap, who impressed off the bench after he replaced Jackson midway through the second period.
An assist within 15 minutes of Delap’s introduction resulted in an immediate impact after his £30million move from Ipswich Town on 5 June, but the increased competition could spell doom for Jackson.
Jackson told to ‘let it happen’ amid Chelsea exit fears
Enzo Maresca didn’t let Chelsea waste any time at the conclusion of their Premier League and European campaign, with their need for a new striker identified and solved in the form of the 22-year-old Delap.
Jackson was still Maresca’s choice to start in the Blues’ Club World Cup opener despite Delap’s high-profile arrival from Ipswich, and the onus is on the Senegal international to maintain his place up front.
Unable to get on the scoresheet before his withdrawal for Delap in the 64th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Jackson still played his part and got an assist of his own to set up Neto‘s first-half opener.
After full-time, Neto took to his Instagram story (17 June) to share an image of the celebrations, in which he said; “Que pase”, or “let it happen” to Jackson in Spanish.
Chelsea ready to swing Jackson axe after Delap transfer
Maresca’s selection policy up front last season was largely Jackson or bust, but Delap‘s arrival at Stamford Bridge finally gives the Italian a much-needed alternative to lead the line next term.
A return to the Champions League may necessitate another number nine being signed, and Football Insider has revealed that unlike Liverpool, Chelsea may be willing to pay the £85m required to sign Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike’s potential switch from Eintracht Frankfurt could leave the writing on the wall for Jackson, and the 23-year-old will hope he can prove his worth to Maresca during Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign.