Chelsea’s Last-Minute Decision Before Liverpool Match: Nicolas Jackson U-turn
Chelsea has been hit with a last-minute setback ahead of their highly anticipated Premier League clash with Liverpool. Nicolas Jackson, who has been away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, will miss the match due to a late U-turn in his plans.
The Senegal national team was eliminated from the tournament on Monday after a heartbreaking loss to Ivory Coast on penalties in their last-16 tie. Chelsea had initially planned for Jackson to fly to Manchester after Senegal’s AFCON exit, where he would then be able to join his teammates before their trip to Anfield. However, Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse ordered the team to return to Dakar together before heading back to their respective clubs this week.
This decision has caused a delay in Jackson’s return, and unfortunately, the 22-year-old will not be able to make it in time for Chelsea’s 8.15pm kick-off on Wednesday night. Jackson has been a key player for Chelsea this season, scoring seven goals in the Premier League.
Speaking before the setback, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his hopes of including Jackson in the matchday squad to face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Pochettino highlighted Jackson’s aggressiveness and work rate in the front line, noting that he not only runs a lot but also helps the team press high, recover possession, and score goals.
Pochettino stated, “I think we miss him a lot and now, yes, happy in some way because we can recover him and the other side, of course, is sad because they lost. But selfishly, I am happy because maybe tomorrow he can be with us.”
While this news is undoubtedly disappointing for Chelsea fans, there is still hope that Jackson will make a quick return and be available for future matches. As the team prepares for their clash with Liverpool, they will have to adjust their tactics and find alternative solutions to fill the void left by Jackson’s absence.
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