Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson has withdrawn from the Senegal squad during the international break after undergoing a minor operation on his wrist. The 22-year-old has worn a splint in his last two appearances for the Blues after suffering from some discomfort in the area prior to the Carabao Cup third round victory against Brighton.
Jackson has now withdrawn from the Senegal squad for next Monday’s friendly with Cameroon and was replaced by Rangers’ Abdallah Sima. The former Villarreal striker has stayed in London to rest and recharge following the small procedure as he now aims to build up his fitness and continue his encouraging goalscoring form for the Blues.
Chelsea take on Arsenal in their first Premier League clash following the international break – before taking on the likes of Brentford, Manchester City and Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased to have Jackson and Armando Broja both available and in top condition ahead of the game against the Gunners.
Pochettino’s injury-stricken side have now won three matches on the bounce in all competitions having also beaten Fulham in the west London derby at Craven Cottage – before their 4-1 win against Burnley. Jackson was suspended for the meeting against Fulham, with Broja scoring in his absence.
Raheem Sterling praised Jackson’s impact from the bench against Vincent Kompany’s side, telling BBC Match of the Day: “Nicolas Jackson is energetic. He gets about, helps the team defensively and he makes good runs – I’m grateful that he took his chance.”
Chelsea continue to consider a January move to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney but something has seemed to click in attack for the Blues in recent weeks. Toney’s arrival could be funded by the sale of Broja with Inter Milan reportedly interested in signing the Albanian striker.
