Nicolas Jackson’s Club World Cup suspension has been extended to two matches after a review by FIFA. It means the striker will miss Chelsea’s last-16 clash as well as their final group game if they progress.
Chelsea face African side ES Tunis on Wednesday morning with Liam Delap set to start in Jackson’s absence. There is no appeal process available.
Jackson was sent off less than four minutes after coming on in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Flamengo on Friday. He was given a straight red card after a studs-up tackle to the shin of his opponent.
The 24-year-old, who was meant to be celebrating his birthday, ended up having a nightmare after being dropped to the bench in favour of Delap. Jackson had set up Pedro Neto in the opener against Los Angeles FC only a few days earlier.
Enzo Maresca knows he has to prepare for matches without Jackson in more competitive circumstances as he will also be out of the first fixture of the new Premier League season in August. Jackson was sent off against Newcastle United in the third-to-last game of the 2024/25 campaign, forcing him to miss the final two matches.
Chelsea got through without him as they beat Manchester United and Nottingham Forest 1-0 with two goals from defenders on the way to securing Champions League qualification. Unlike on that occasion, Jackson issued an immediate public apology from America.
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The FIFA Club World Cup will see 32 of the world’s best club teams including Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich play across 63 games from June 14-July 13.
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“I want to say sorry”, he wrote on his Instagram story. “To the club, the staff, my teammates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card… And honestly, I’m so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation.
“I still don’t fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional. Just a moment in football that went the wrong way. “No excuses. I take full responsibility.
“I’ll reflect, I’ll grow, and I’ll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry, Sorry.”
Jackson has also been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are believed to still be considering a move for another striker as well as Delap this summer but that is not expected to impact Jackson’s future.
Despite the noise, football.london understands Chelsea view Jackson as a key player moving forward. Last season he scored 10 league goals with five assists.
Maresca issued the same sentiment when speaking after the Flamengo game. “The red card was nothing to do with Nico’s future,” he said. “He had the first one against Newcastle when Liam wasn’t here and another today. I said I am not sure it was 100% a red card. Nico knows that both situations were not good for the team.”
Jackson did not train with his teammates ahead of the Tunis match. “Nico was not in the session because it’s the day before the game,” explained Maresca. “We just use the ones to prepare the game.”
Chelsea are warming up in extreme heat in America and have been using different training methods.
