Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has been handed a one-match suspension following his red card in the Blues’ 3-1 defeat to Flamengo at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 24-year-old Senegalese forward was sent off just four minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute for a reckless studs-up challenge on Flamengo’s Ayrton Lucas.
The reckless nature of the tackle and its timing—when Chelsea were chasing the game—has sparked criticism from pundits and former players. There is growing frustration surrounding Jackson’s tendency to lose control at pivotal points, with his previous dismissal coming in a Premier League match against Newcastle, a result that severely dented Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
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Former players have voiced disbelief over the striker’s repeated lapses in judgment, particularly given the stakes involved in both incidents. The decision to commit such a challenge so soon after entering the pitch has been widely viewed as unnecessary and costly, particularly at a time when Chelsea were trying to mount a comeback.
This marks Jackson’s second red card in just four appearances across all competitions, raising further questions about his discipline and decision-making during crucial moments. His latest sending-off has ruled him out of Chelsea’s final group game against Esperance Sportive de Tunis, a fixture that now carries even more weight for the club’s progression in the tournament.
Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, has shown glimpses of attacking quality but has also attracted criticism for his inconsistency and temperament. His absence in the upcoming game leaves manager Enzo Maresca with fewer options in the final third as the Blues prepare for a must-win clash to stay alive in the competition.
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As Chelsea recalibrate for their next test, the focus will be on tightening discipline and capitalizing on their remaining resources, without one of their most volatile attacking figures. Chelsea next plays against Benfica on June 29th in the quarter finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, in the grandest celebration of the tournament’s history.
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