Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification took a damaging blow on Sunday as Nicolas Jackson’s reckless red card in a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle left Enzo Maresca without a fit striker for the remainder of the campaign.
The 23-year-old was sent off in the 36th minute following a VAR review for serious foul play, ruling him out of the upcoming clashes with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.
With Christopher Nkunku still sidelined and Marc Guiu only just returning from injury, Maresca is suddenly short of options up front.
The Italian manager didn’t hide his frustration. “No doubt he has to learn from it,” Maresca said of Jackson.
“Especially at this stage of the season, you have to avoid this kind of thing. We need all our squad available.”
Chelsea remain fifth, but their Champions League hopes are on a knife edge. Aston Villa trail only on goal difference, while Forest are just a point behind.
“My feeling is you need to win both games,” Maresca admitted, with mounting pressure ahead of Friday’s showdown at Stamford Bridge.
What had looked like a strong finish now risks unraveling, and Maresca’s biggest headache may be solving a striker crisis just when he needs goals the most.
