Enzo Maresca ignores obvious Nicolas Jackson question with doubt hanging over striker | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson had been suspended for two games for Chelsea, so we expected him to come back into the team on Friday night to relieve Liam Delap, who had started 3 in a row at the Club World Cup.

Instead, the Senegal star was left on the bench, and Delap got a fourth start. Not what we expected, but not so crazy. What really got our attention was when Delap was taken on and Jackson was overlooked again. This time it was new signing Joao Pedro who came on, despite only having had a couple of training sessions with the team.

“Sharp” Joao Pedro hailed by his manager

Joao Pedro in action for Chelsea against Palmeiras. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Delap picked up a yellow card in the game which rules him out of the semi final against Fluminense. Post game, Enzo Maresca was asked whether JP would start the semi final after looking good in his cameo:

“Yes, since he arrived, the reason why we decided for him is because since he arrived, even if he was on holiday, he looks sharp, he looks good. And we gave him some minutes. Also, I think he was just inside when they scored. And I think since he was inside, him and Noni, I think, again, we were much better. So, we knew him very well. The reason why he’s here is because we like him and we are sure that he’s going to help us.”

Maresca ignores Nicolas Jackson question hanging over team

All of that is very interesting – but it ignores the question, which was whether the Brazilian would start against his old club in the semi final. If he does, that’s another stinging blow to Nicolas Jackson, who would then appear to have tumbled from first choice to third choice striker in the space of a few weeks.