Chelsea Star Banished to Solo Training as Club Excludes Him from Bayer Leverkusen Clash
Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has been excluded from the squad for the club's pre-season match against Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge, following reports that he has been training separately after requesting to investigate transfer opportunities elsewhere.
The 24-year-old featured in 37 matches across all tournaments during the previous campaign, netting 13 times, but has attracted interest from several clubs this summer after the additions of Liam Delap and João Pedro, who both shone at the Club World Cup.
Bayern Munich have ruled out a potential move for Jackson, who appears to have dropped to third choice in Enzo Maresca's forward hierarchy, though Newcastle United might still pursue him after failing to secure Benjamin Šeško who joined Manchester United. The Magpies' pursuit could intensify if Alexander Isak continues pushing for a switch to title holders Liverpool, although Randal Kolo Muani and Samu Aghehowa have emerged as backup options.
The Daily Mail reports that Jackson worked out individually at Chelsea's Cobham facility on Friday, before confirmation emerged that he would miss the clash with Leverkusen, now under the guidance of former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag. The Senegalese striker is also believed to have indicated his desire to depart.
Jackson was only given one starting opportunity at the Club World Cup—the opening fixture versus LAFC—and received a red card against Flamengo after entering as a substitute, resulting in a two-match suspension. He made his return in the semi-final encounter with Fluminense but was omitted from the final, with Delap and Pedro preferred over him.
In July, Jackson declared his commitment to remaining at Chelsea despite the new signings, telling Dsports: "Competition? I face no competition. We're all present to support the club. Everyone has their part to fulfill. I'm on a journey. It's the manager's decision to make his selections. I concentrate entirely on my duties.
"I represent Chelsea. The future rests with God. Should any developments occur, you'll be informed. Currently, I'm dedicated to my preparations."
Delap is set to spearhead the attack against Leverkusen, while Jackson, who has recorded 42 goal involvements (30 goals, 12 assists) across 81 outings for Chelsea, now has slightly more than three weeks remaining to secure a new destination before the transfer market shuts on Sept. 1.