Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is set to miss the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season after receiving a three-match domestic suspension.
The ban stems from a red card he picked up in a match against Newcastle United back in May 2025, as confirmed by football.london. As a result, Jackson will not feature in Chelsea’s league opener against Crystal Palace on August 17, 2025.
This absence comes at a crucial time for head coach Enzo Maresca, who is actively reshaping the squad with hopes of mounting a serious title challenge.
Adding to the complications, Jackson is also suspended for two games in the FIFA Club World Cup following a dangerous studs-up tackle on Flamengo’s Ayrton Lucas during a match on June 20, 2025.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee classified the offense as “serious foul play” and extended his initial suspension, according to The Athletic.
Jackson’s disciplinary issues have placed his role at the club under increased scrutiny. It marks his second red card in just four appearances—a worrying trend for a player expected to be a key figure in Chelsea’s frontline.
Meanwhile, the door has opened for newly signed striker Liam Delap, who has seized the opportunity in Jackson’s absence.
Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town for £30 million and has already made an impact in the Club World Cup, scoring in the 3-0 victory over Esperance Tunis and assisting Enzo Fernandez in a 2-0 win against LAFC.
Delap’s early performances have not gone unnoticed. At just 22 years old, he is already demonstrating the qualities that prompted Chelsea to bring him in.
His 17.7% shot-conversion rate outperforms Jackson’s 13.2%, as highlighted by Opta Analyst, making a strong case for him to lead the line moving forward.
Maresca praised the striker’s seamless adaptation to Chelsea’s tactical system, stating that Delap’s familiarity with their style made for a smooth transition.
Despite scoring 10 Premier League goals last season, Jackson failed to meet his expected goals (xG) of 12.3 and continues to face criticism over his decision-making and discipline.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel recently advised him to welcome the internal competition posed by Delap.
Amid growing doubts about Jackson’s future, both Juventus and Napoli have shown interest, but Chelsea’s £50 million valuation is proving to be a stumbling block, as per Sky Sports.
The Blues have already splashed out £225.5 million this summer on new attacking talent, including Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian, and Delap, and are reportedly targeting Victor Osimhen in an £84.5 million move.
With Fernandez sidelined due to a head injury and five academy players released, Delap’s form provides a much-needed lift for Chelsea.
His energetic, direct playing style—described as “buccaneering” by The Guardian—has brought fresh optimism as the club gears up for their Premier League opener without their first-choice striker.
