Nicolas Jackson faces easy Chelsea decision after two-word message and Christopher Nkunku audition
Nicolas Jackson has been been given a Chelsea offer that may not be able to refuse following Christopher Nkunku's cameo against Bournemouth. The Blues picked up a valuable three points on the south coast over the weekend with Nkunku and Jadon Sancho combining off the bench for the winner.
A lacklustre opening 45 minutes saw Sancho introduced for his Chelsea debut with Enzo Maresca very pleased by his display and two others. "I think we start second half much better and Jadon helped us a lot but what he did tonight is exactly what we expected from him," he said in a press conference.
"As I said, I know Jadon very good because I watched him many, many times in the past and I know what he can give us. Then also Christoph [Nkunku] was very good and not just because he scored but because he fought without the ball and Jadon was exactly the same. Tosin [Adarabioyo] was very good.
"The performance second half changed completely but we need to learn this kind of things if we want to build something important and we want to win games first of all we need the desire to win games, win duels and to fight together."
Following their respective cameos, both Nkunku and Sancho have put themselves in a great position to start against West Ham this weekend. With Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke somewhat undroppable currently, Neto and Jackson could be the ones to make way.
Chelsea's next four fixtures are in three different competitions and thus there will likely be plenty of rotation. Jackson could be one of many to be given a rest with summer signing Marc Guiu and Nkunku chomping at the bit for opportunities.
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Strong performances from fringe players could impact Maresca's thoughts going forward with Jackson's place in the starting XI far from secure. Given how Madueke has impressed over the last few weeks, with the England under-21 international currently keeping Joao Felix and Sancho out of the starting XI, regular minutes are expected.
Maresca also seems to be a huge fan of Madueke and one of the reasons behind his improvement in form could have been revealed with Jackson now awarded a similar opportunity. On Instagram, Madueke's personal trainer Saul Isaksson-Hurst was asked by a fan to also help the Senegal international with his response simply, "I'm available."
The 22-year-old has been working hard away from the pitch with his trainer and Jackson could potentially benefit from accepting some sessions especially as Nkunku appears to be gunning for his spot in the front four.