Under-pressure Chelsea star is about to play the biggest game of his Blues career in Club World Cup semi-final

Chelsea are just two games away from winning the Club World Cup, and being crowned the greatest side in world football.

The Blues are set for a reunion with former star Thiago Silva and his Fluminense side. They have caused a number of shocks in this competition so far.

Enzo Maresca will be hoping for a performance equally as dominant as the one that saw them get past Palmeiras despite Estevao Willian’s wonder goal.

However, the manager will already know that he will be forced to make a number of changes to the starting side. Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are suspended due to picking up two yellow cards in the competition.

Nicolas Jackson in action during Chelsea FC v Los Angeles Football Club: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Nicolas Jackson set for career-defining Club World Cup semi-final

While there are a number of options for players to come in up front, Maresca could hand the opportunity to Nicolas Jackson to lead the line.

The Senegal international did not feature for a single minute in the quarter-final win. Tours tour to joao pedro instead as they searched for a goal in Philadelphia.

With plenty of new attacking options already joining and more believed to be on the way to the club, it will make it difficult for Jackson to win over the fans and the trust of his manager again.

Being sent off twice in four games for the club saw some begin to lose faith in him. However, former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has given Jackson his backing.

However, there are no securities right now over his place, and every chance he gets in the side is going to be crucial towards his future.

Chelsea players celebrate victory during SE Palmeiras v Chelsea FC: Quarter Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Jackson’s uncertain Chelsea future

As Chelsea weigh up signing two new strikers this summer, it has been reported that Jackson is unhappy with his situation at Stamford Bridge.

However, it has been reported that Jackson has no intentions of leaving Chelsea at the moment, and is prepared to fight for his place in the side.

If any attacker is going to leave the club, it looks more likely to be Call Maduyke at this stage, with Arsenal very keen on signing the winger this summer.

Mikel Arteta has privately reached out to Madueke to try and convince him that a move is the best course of action, and with the arrival of Jamie Gittens the England international could find it difficult to feature at Stamford Bridge.

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