Chelsea face Brazilian side Fluminense in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey on Tuesday evening.
Enzo Maresca’s side have been inconsistent so far at the tournament in the United States, but they find themselves in the final four and strong favourites to progress to the final, where they would meet either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid.
Last time out the Blues defeated Palmeiras – Fluminense’s domestic rivals – 2-1, with Cole Palmer netting his first goal of the tournament.
Maresca will be hoping that his talisman can impress once again on Tuesday, with the Blues set for a reunion with former captain Thiago Silva, who has impressed at the back for Fluminense.
In the meantime, it appears that the West London giants have made a decision on the future of one of their attackers.
According to Football InsiderChelsea intend to keep hold of striker Nicolas Jackson despite bolstering Maresca’s attacking options in recent weeks.
Jackson looks set to stay at Stamford Bridge (Photo: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy)
The Blues have added Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to their squad this summer, while Jackson has recently been suspended in both the Premier League and Club World Cup after being sent off twice.
The Senegalese striker joined the Blues from Villarreal in 2023 and has since scored 30 goals in 80 games for the club across all competitions, as well as registering 12 assists.
Last season he started 28 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League games, but the recent arrivals of Delap and Pedro could hinder his playing time next term.
Jackson’s current contract with the London side is set to run until the end of the 2032/33 campaign, but he has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in recent weeks amid the recent influx of attacking options.