Mauricio Pochettino has disclosed that Chelsea is actively working to bring Nicolas Jackson back from the Africa Cup of Nations in time for Wednesday’s showdown against Liverpool.
Senegal, led by Jackson, was eliminated from the AFCON on Monday night, suffering a defeat to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in a thrilling penalty shootout during the round of 16.
With Senegal’s exit, Chelsea is eager to expedite Jackson’s return to the club and reintegrate him into the first-team setup swiftly. Addressing Jackson’s situation in the pre-match press conference, Pochettino acknowledged the club’s efforts to have him available for the crucial clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
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“We are exploring the possibility of Jackson playing. Maybe it will materialize. If it gives us even a one percent greater chance of winning the game, we will certainly try it,” stated Pochettino.
“We are in a waiting mode. All I can say is that there is a chance he might make it. Recently, Ghana lost and got eliminated, and Inaki Williams arrived just a few hours before and played in the second half, helping his team beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. Why can’t Jackson arrive and score the decisive goal?”
“[Jackson’s absence] is forcing us to be creative and work diligently to achieve a good balance. Throughout these six, seven months of work, we have consistently shuffled players. With only 12, 13, or 14 players available and 10 to 12 players sidelined, maintaining balance and competing at the highest level has been challenging. We are grappling with various aspects of the game, making it difficult to be consistent when we can’t field the same team week after week.
“But with Nico, we miss his aggressiveness in the forward position, his extensive running, immense effort, and his contribution to high pressing, recovery, and goal-scoring, as he has an impressive record. We feel his absence greatly, and now, there is a sense of happiness because we have the opportunity to bring him back. On the other hand, it’s sad they lost. But selfishly, I am pleased because he might join us,” explained the Chelsea manager.