Juventus and Napoli linked as Nicolas Jackson sabotages Chelsea career | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson may have brought the death knell down on his own career at Chelsea after getting himself sent off in Friday’s defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

A nightmare six-minute period in the second-half saw the Blues lose their lead, conceding two quickfire goals to the Brazilians, before their main striker received his marching orders for a horrid tackle.

Chelsea went on to lose the game 3-1, leaving them second in Group D and needing to win their final game against ES Tunis to reach the last-16 of the tournament.

It was just the latest moment of madness from Jackson, who saw red for elbowing Sven Botman in the head during a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park in May. It was crucial game that almost cost Chelsea a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Senegal international has also been booked 17 times in the Premier League since moving from Villareal in 2023, but this latest incident could spell the end for his time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea just signed Liam Delap and the former Ipswich Town centre-forward will be handed the opportunity to lead the line at the Club World Cup while Jackson serves his suspension. He will also presumably start against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the upcoming Premier League campaign as Jackson still has one more game of his three-match ban to serve following his red card against Newcastle.

Juventus and Napoli linked as Nicolas Jackson sabotages Chelsea career

Although Jackson started and scored in last month’s UEFA Conference League final, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca may be losing faith in the striker. Discussions around the player’s future will surely take place, particularly following fresh reports of interest from other clubs.

Juventus have held “explorative talks” with Jackson’s camp about a potential move, according to Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio (via Football Italia).

Napoli are also said to be “considering” the 24-year-old, although they are prioritising moves for Liverpool outcast Darwin Nunez and Lorenzo Lucca of Udinese.

Read – Flamengo delete posts trolling Chelsea and Cole Palmer following shock Club World Cup victory

Jackson, who has also been linked with Newcastle United, Manchester United and Aston Villa, issued an apology after the match, but it may not be enough to save his Chelsea career.

“I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, and all the fans watching, I let you down,” the statement read.

“Another red card… and honestly, I’m so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don’t fully understand how it happened.

“But one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way.

“No excuses. I take full responsibility. I’ll reflect, I’ll grow, and I’ll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry.”

Maresca said in his post-match press conference that the red card won’t have a bearing on Jackson’s future at the club.

“Six minutes changed the game,” the Italian said. “In the second half, we started better compared to the first half. But we conceded two goals in two minutes and then the red card. It changed the dynamic. They deserved to win.

“Nico apologised. At Newcastle, we were just 1-0 down and it was in the first half. Today, we were 2-1 down but with half-an-hour left. There was time to play, but with one man down it became all the more difficult.”

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