Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson was notably absent from the team’s training session in Philadelphia on Monday, ahead of their crucial final group match at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Senegal international will play no part in Wednesday’s clash against Espérance Sportive de Tunis, having been suspended following his red card in Chelsea’s previous fixture, a defeat to Flamengo.
The dismissal rules Jackson out of contention for the Group D decider, prompting the club to excuse him from training duties in the intense Philadelphia heat.
The absence of the 23-year-old forward was quickly noticed during the open session, held less than 36 hours before kick-off.
His suspension has not only impacted team selection but also necessitated tactical adjustments as Chelsea prepare to navigate the final group stage hurdle without one of their key attacking outlets.
Chelsea must avoid defeat against the Tunisian side to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.
A draw would be enough to see the London club progress in second place from the group and book a place in the round of 16, where they would face either Bayern Munich or Benfica.
Despite Jackson’s absence, there remains hope that he will return to action should Chelsea advance beyond the group stage.
His physicality and goal-scoring threat could prove vital in the latter stages of the tournament, especially if the Blues find themselves up against more formidable opposition in the knockout rounds.
Jackson’s red card came during a heated encounter with Flamengo, where Chelsea’s frustrations culminated in a narrow defeat.
The forward’s dismissal was a blow to the team’s momentum and added further scrutiny to his temperament on the big stage.
Nonetheless, the club continues to back the striker, whose contributions in the domestic campaign have not gone unnoticed.
His suspension comes at a crucial time in the Club World Cup’s new expanded format, where depth and discipline could play a decisive role.
Managerial staff are expected to rotate options in the attack, likely turning to the likes of Liam Delap and Raheem Sterling to shoulder the goal-scoring burden in Jackson’s absence.
Chelsea’s preparations remain focused on the task at hand—securing qualification and keeping their hopes alive in the global tournament.
All eyes will now turn to Wednesday’s showdown, where the Blues must deliver a composed and clinical performance without their number nine.