Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson likely to be rested against Sudan ahead of DR Congo clash

Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson is expected to start on the bench against Sudan on Friday as head coach Pape Thiaw looks to manage the Bayern Munich striker’s workload ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Lions of Teranga open their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with two key fixtures in quick succession, facing Sudan in Diamniadio on 5 September before travelling to Kinshasa to meet DR Congo on 9 September.

Jackson, who secured a high-profile move from Chelsea to Bayern Munich during the summer, is set to be eased back into international duty after an extended spell without regular club action.

The 24-year-old has not played a competitive match in almost two months, with his last appearance coming as a substitute in Bayern’s FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense.

He was also absent from Chelsea’s pre-season preparations before his transfer, meaning he joins the national team with a noticeable lack of match sharpness.

In contrast, many of Senegal’s other internationals have arrived in camp with significant playing time under their belts following the start of Europe’s domestic season.

Thiaw and his staff are therefore expected to manage Jackson’s involvement carefully, with the striker tipped to be named among the substitutes for Friday’s match at Stade Abdoulaye-Wade.

Boulaye Dia is likely to lead the attack against Sudan, supported by experienced forward Sadio Mané and Marseille’s Iliman Ndiaye.

Jackson has established himself as Senegal’s first-choice centre-forward under Thiaw, despite a modest international record of one goal in 20 appearances.

His pace and versatility have made him a key figure in Senegal’s long-term plans, but his lack of recent minutes has prompted a cautious approach from the coaching staff.

The decision to rest him against Sudan is designed to ensure he is fully prepared for the potentially decisive encounter with DR Congo four days later.

The fixture in Kinshasa is widely seen as the tougher of the two qualifiers, and Jackson is expected to return to the starting line-up for that match if his fitness and sharpness improve over the coming days.

Jackson took part in two full training sessions with his international team-mates on Wednesday and Thursday, but the coaching team believes he requires more preparation time to be at his best.

His absence from Chelsea’s squad at the start of the Premier League season further underlines the need for careful management during this international break.

Senegal are seeking to maintain their strong record in World Cup qualifying and secure early momentum in their group. While Jackson’s limited involvement against Sudan may come as a surprise to some, Thiaw’s plan reflects the importance of having his leading striker fully ready for the challenge in Kinshasa.

For now, the focus remains on Friday’s match in Diamniadio, where the Lions will aim to start their campaign strongly. Jackson, though likely to be a substitute, will be closely monitored as Senegal balance their squad rotation in pursuit of maximum points.