Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has given an update on Nicolas Jackson ahead of his side’s game against Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.
Nicolas Jackson went to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal and they were only knocked out of the tournament yesterday after losing to hosts Ivory Coast on penalties.
However, Mauricio Pochettino says the 22-year-old could yet be available for the trip to Merseyside.
It would be a major boost for Chelsea, as they have lacked options up front following Jackson’s departure to the Ivory Coast.
In his absence, Pochettino has even had to play Cole Palmer up front at times.
Who will lead the line for Chelsea against Liverpool?
While Jackson may make the matchday squad, a start may come too soon for the Senegal international, who would have done a lot of travelling in the build up to the game.
It means we could see Palmer playing as a false 9 once again. Pochettino, of course, utilised him as one in Chelsea’s last outing, a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The 21-year-old has been in top form for Chelsea this season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 26 appearances.
As for Jackson, he is actually the Blues’ second top scorer after netting eight times in 23 outings. It is why it would be good if Pochettino had him available for tomorrow.
Newcastle United legend and former Premier League striker Alan Shearer does not think Jackson is good enough to be leading the line regularly for Chelsea. At 22, though, he obviously still has time to improve and develop into a much better centre-forward.
The Blues go into their clash against Liverpool just four points behind sixth. A win at Anfield could be massive for Pochettino’s men.
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