Nicolas Jackson absence from Chelsea friendly explained as Enzo Maresca drops transfer hint

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.

Sign up to the free Chelsea newsletter for the latest Blues news straight to your inbox

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Sign up to the free Chelsea newsletter for the latest Blues news straight to your inbox

Nicolas Jackson has been omitted from the Chelsea squad to face Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge on Friday night. The 24-year-old striker, who has been heavily linked with a move this summer, has not been selected by Enzo Maresca to play the first of two pre-season friendlies this weekend.

Jackson, who recently signed a long-term contract extension in west London, featured 30 times in the Premier League last season, scoring ten goals and providing five assists. Playing a key role in Maresca's side, he helped Chelsea finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League.

The Senegal international enjoyed a great start to the campaign, netting all-but-one of his goals before the turn of the year. Jackson couldn't find his feet in the final third following his return from a hamstring injury in April, but he still managed to show his quality.

According to MailOnline, the striker has told Chelsea that he wants to explore his options this summer. The report claims that the west Londoners are working hard to help him resolve his future and they're already in talks with multiple suitors.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Chelsea Away Kit 2025/26 Chelsea's 2025/26 Away Kit Chelsea have launched their new away kit for the 2025/26 season. £84.99 Nike Get the kit here

Speaking to reporters at Cobham training ground on Thursday, Maresca provided an update on Jackson's future. The Chelsea boss said: "Nico is okay. I think as I just said, when the transfer window is open – unfortunately, or fortunately – anything can happen.

"This also involves Nico’s situation," added Maresca. "At the moment we also have had two strikers arrive – Joao [Pedro] and Liam [Delap] – so we’ll see what happens."

At the end of July, Jackson was quizzed on his future at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to DSports TV, as quoted by the Metro, he said: "Competition? I have no competition.

(Image: Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

"We’re all here to help the club. Everyone has their role to play. I’m on a mission. It’s up to the coach to make his choices. I focus solely on my work."

Jackson added: "I’m a Chelsea player. The future belongs to God. If there are any changes, you’ll know. For now, I’m focused on my preparation. It’s football, there are ups and downs.

"Last season we won two trophies. There were difficult moments, moments of glory. Every season is like that. But the most important thing is to stay focused, to learn, and to grow in the face of adversity."

According to the MailOnline, Jackson trained separately from the first team at Cobham this week after informing Chelsea higher-ups of his desire to leave. It's said that the striker has attracted interest from clubs in the Premier League and across Europe.

The report adds that the Blues would be happy to keep Jackson, who's seen as a valuable member of the squad, if he doesn't find a new club this summer. Officials at Stamford Bridge reportedly believe he's worth more than the £74m spent on Benjamin Sesko by Manchester United and the £79m coughed up by Liverpool for Hugo Ekitike.

Click here to read article