“They’ve got nobody like him”
Chelsea’s Struggles Without Nicolas Jackson: Tim Sherwood’s Insights
Former Tottenham star Tim Sherwood recently shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s performance without Nicolas Jackson, stating that the Senegalese striker is irreplaceable despite not being a prolific goalscorer. Sherwood highlighted Jackson’s ability to create space for players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, emphasizing the impact he has on the team.
In a conversation with Metro, Sherwood expressed his belief that Jackson’s absence has been a significant setback for Chelsea. He pointed out that Jackson serves as a focal point and a real presence up front, occupying the center-halves and allowing other players to thrive in the attacking third. Sherwood specifically mentioned how Palmer and Fernandez benefit from the space created by Jackson’s movement on the pitch.
Sherwood remarked, “He’s been a huge miss. He’s not a prolific goalscorer but he’s certainly a threat and they can’t replace him. They’ve got nobody like him to come in – they’ve tried it with [Christopher] Nkunku or playing with Pedro Neto as a false nine but it’s not worked.”
Jackson, who has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 23 Premier League matches this season, plays a crucial role in Chelsea’s attacking setup. His absence has been felt as the team has slipped from second to fourth in the table, with a recent dip in form causing them to fall even further behind in the title race.
However, there is some good news on the horizon for Chelsea fans. Manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Jackson is on track to return after the international break. The striker, who suffered a hamstring injury in a match against West Ham United, is currently undergoing light training and is expected to be back in action soon. Alongside Jackson, Noni Madueke is also set to make a return, providing a boost to the squad for the remaining fixtures of the season.
Looking ahead, Chelsea are gearing up to face Tottenham and Brentford in early April, with a crucial Conference League quarterfinal against Legia Warszawa on the horizon. With Jackson’s potential return and reinforcements coming back from injury, Maresca is hopeful that the team can regain momentum and push for a strong finish to the season.
In conclusion, Tim Sherwood’s insights shed light on the impact of Nicolas Jackson’s absence on Chelsea and the challenges the team has faced in his absence. As the striker prepares to make his comeback, Chelsea will be looking to bounce back and make a strong push in the final stages of the campaign.
