Nicolas Jackson Faces Extended Club World Cup Suspension as Liam Delap Delivers Strong Discipline Warning

Following his absence from Chelsea's successful final Club World Cup group stage match, Nicolas Jackson will remain unavailable for the team's round-of-16 encounter with Benfica.

The unpredictable forward received his marching orders for a reckless challenge during Chelsea's 3–1 loss to Flamengo the previous week, making contact with Ayrton Lucas shortly after coming on for Liam Delap. The English striker took Jackson's place in the starting lineup against ES Tunis on Tuesday night, netting the team's second goal in a comfortable 3–0 victory that secured their progression to the tournament's knockout phase.

Originally facing a one-match suspension, Jackson saw his penalty increased after FIFA's disciplinary panel reviewed the incident and classified the reckless challenge as "serious foul play." Upon learning of his teammate's extended unavailability, Delap expressed caution about avoiding disciplinary issues himself.

"I made sure to avoid picking up a booking since that would rule me out of our next fixture," the 22-year-old explained following the ES Tunis triumph. "Our attention must turn to Benfica where we need to battle for advancement to the following stage. I joined this team to compete at prestigious levels like this."

Delap openly embraces the combative aspects of football. "I thrive in those duels," the ex-Ipswich Town attacker shared with media representatives this week. "That passion has been with me since childhood. I genuinely enjoy the fierce and competitive elements of the sport. While it requires discipline at times, it defines my playing style."

Throughout the 2024–25 Premier League season, Delap accumulated five additional yellow cards compared to Jackson (12 versus seven) and was penalized for more than double the number of infractions (72 against 35). However, he has successfully managed his intensity by never receiving a red card throughout his professional career.

In comparison, Jackson's ejection against Flamengo marked his second dismissal in just four Chelsea appearances, adding to the red card he earned versus Newcastle United at the previous season's conclusion. The Senegalese striker must also miss Chelsea's 2025–26 Premier League opener against Crystal Palace to complete his outstanding domestic suspension from last campaign.