Chelsea training pictures give hint on Nicolas Jackson’s fitness after injury kept him out of FA Cup defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea were missing a number of key players at the weekend as they crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 defeat against Brighton.

Club captain Reece James was nowhere to be seen in the matchday squad, however Enzo Maresca claimed that it was always the plan for him to miss that game as part of his recovery.

Another key man who was absent was Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international limped off in their win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

• READ MORE: Jason Cundy says what Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson really needs to improve – and it’s not finishing

He was replaced by Marc Guiu, however Maresca stated the Spaniard could be out for months after picking up his own issue late in that game.

Chelsea desperately missed Jackson’s presence in the attacking line on Saturday at the Amex. Christopher Nkunku failed in his audition to show that he can be a suitable replacement in the number nine role.

Blues supporters will be desperate to see Jackson back on the pitch on Friday night, with their place in the top four under threat from the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle.

However, training pictures released on the Chelsea website don’t show Jackson involved, with them also not mentioning his return in the supplementary article.

If he is not fit, it is likely Nkunku continues up front, however he will be looking for a far better display if so. The Frenchman had just one touch in the opposition’s penalty area in the cup defeat.

Jackson’s good record against Brighton

Despite only finding the net once against the Seagulls personally, Chelsea have always performed better against this opposition when Jackson has been in the squad.

In fact, Chelsea have a 100% win rate in the four games they have faced Brighton where the striker has featured.

The Blues’ 4-2 win over them earlier this season saw Jackson combine brilliantly with Cole Palmer, who left with the match ball after four first-half goals.