Nicolas Jackson may have made Enzo Maresca's life easier following his sending off in Chelsea's 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the Club World Cup. The Senegalese striker was given his marching orders for the second time in his last four outings.
The 24-year-old may have apologised for his actions but he's unfortunately proven that he can't be relied upon. There were already reservations over him being the goalscorer the club require to now push on and compete for major trophies.
The red card hasn't only plunged his future in Maresca's starting XI into doubt but his future at the Bridge altogether. The Blues are reportedly willing to sell if they recieve offers of around £47-51m and Juventus are admirers.
All eyes will be on his situation as the summer transfer window continues. If he does remain a Blue come next season there shouldn't be any argument over him losing the number nine starting berth to Liam Delap.
Maresca must go with Delap over Jackson
Jackson's reckless challenge not only cost Chelsea against Flamengo but has also tarnished his reputation with fans. His temperament continues to be a nuisance during an important time for the club in the Todd Boehly era.
Maresca responded to the red card by insisting it would not influence his future at the club or the Italian coach's decision over him or Delap. But he did stress that it was not good (via The Sun):
"He had the first one against Newcastle when Liam was not even here and another one. I’m not sure that it’s 100 per cent a red card but the referee decided for that, and Nico knows very well that in both situations (it) was not something good for the team."
Jackson fared well last season in terms of leading the line, managing 10 goals and five assists in 30 Premier League games. But with seven bookings and one red card to his name, it's clear he is too much of a risk, especially when losing his head in games such as the Newcastle United loss.
Delap is by no means a saint, as seen when he riled up the Stamford Bridge faithful in clashes with Ipswich Town last season. He also picked up an alarming 12 yellow cards.
That said, the English frontman has a Jamie Vardy-esque personality, and that is beneficial, unlike Jackson's pettiness. The Blues saw off competition from Manchester United and Newcastle for the 22-year-old and perhaps envisioned bedding him into the team gradually. But he should be Maresca's leading frontman amid Jackson's uncertain future.
Delap flourished at Portman Road despite the Tractor Boys' relegation, managing 12 goals and two assists in 37 games. He's a product of Manchester City's academy and there's a ton of potential that makes his acquisition an exciting one.
Chelsea shouldn't sell Jackson for anything less than price tag
Chelsea's transfer chiefs know all too well how difficult it can be to try and sign a player on the market for their desired price. Mike Maignan was keen on moving to the Bridge but was priced out of a move by AC Milan who stood firm on a £25m valuation.
This approach should be replicated by the Blues should clubs try and swoop for Jackson. A potential £50m sale opens the door for a potential replacement or other areas of the team to be strengthened.
Brighton's Joao Pedro remains of interest and there's talk of the club using Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in a swap deal. But the English midfielder's disappointing season could see the Seagulls snub such a proposal and dig their heels in over their £70m valuation (per ) of the striker.
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