Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson back in training ahead of Tottenham clash | OneFootball

Chelsea flattered to deceive early on in the season. The Blues looked set to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal for the Premier League title, but those ambitions quickly faded.

After their recent performances, the West Londoners are no longer sure of finishing in a UEFA Champions League place. They face a fight to clinch a spot for the first time under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium regime.

Injuries to key Chelsea players like Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu, and Reece James derailed their momentum. However, this international break was a chance to recover those players ahead of a crucial run-in.

Chelsea fans will be buzzing after the club announced that striker Jackson is back in training. All eyes are on manager Enzo Maresca to give an update on whether he is ready to face Tottenham Hotspur on April 3.

Jackson has been a massive miss for Chelsea since he picked up an injury early in February. His wastefulness in front of goal is well-documented, but he is a handful for defenders and keeps them honest. He stretches backlines and causes them problems.

Unfortunately, Christopher Nkunku, whom Maresca put to deputise for Jackson, has been dreadful. His lack of application in the defensive phase is appalling, and he hasn’t lit up Stamford Bridge with his offensive displays.

It did not help that Guiu also subsequently picked up an injury against West Ham United. Maresca had to use Pedro Neto as a centre-forward to add some grit, but the Portuguese winger managed only one measly goal against Southampton.

Chelsea will be happy to have Jackson back. The Senegalese striker has a decent record against Spurs and must be desperately hoping to end his scoring drought against one of his favourite opponents.

For all his faults, Jackson is crucial to Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.