Chelsea’s hopes of progressing in the FIFA Club World Cup suffered a blow on Friday after striker Nicolas Jackson was handed a two-match ban following his red card in the 3-1 defeat to Flamengo. The Senegalese forward was sent off just four minutes after coming on as a substitute for a reckless studs-up challenge on Flamengo’s Lucas Ayrton. The incident, initially drawing an automatic one-game suspension, was reviewed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee and upgraded to a two-match ban due to the severity of the foul.
This decision rules Jackson out of Chelsea’s crucial final group stage match against African champions ES Tunis in Philadelphia, and, should the Blues qualify, the first knockout round as well.
The disciplinary committee deemed the tackle “serious foul play,” and under FIFA rules, their decision is final and cannot be appealed. For Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, the timing could not be worse. His side must avoid defeat against ES Tunis to stay in the competition, and Jackson’s absence limits attacking options at a pivotal stage.
It is the latest in a string of discipline-related issues for Jackson, who joined Chelsea from Villarreal in June 2023 for a reported fee of £32 million. The 23-year-old’s dismissal on Friday was his second red card in four matches, and he has already accumulated eight yellow cards across all competitions this season. His ten bookings suggest a worrying pattern of rash decision-making and lack of composure under pressure.
Jackson took to social media shortly after the game to apologise publicly. He also apologised privately in the dressing room, as confirmed by teammate Marc Cucurella and manager Maresca. “He knows he let the team down,” Cucurella said. “But we all make mistakes. He’s young and learning.”
Maresca was more cautious in his comments. “Nico is an emotional player, and we love his energy. But we need that energy channelled positively. This team can’t afford to lose players to unnecessary red cards at this stage of the season.”
Chelsea, currently fighting on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and Club World Cup, now face growing concerns about squad depth and discipline. Jackson’s suspension leaves Maresca short of options up front, with Liam Delap—recently recalled from a loan spell—expected to start against ES Tunis.
Delap may benefit from the opportunity, but many around the club feel Jackson’s impulsive nature has now opened the door for the 21-year-old to stake his claim permanently. “Stupid, stupid, stupid,” one Chelsea official reportedly muttered in the tunnel after the Flamengo game—capturing the frustration boiling inside the camp.
Jackson’s talent is not in doubt. He arrived at Stamford Bridge with a reputation for raw pace, goal-scoring ability, and an aggressive style that excited fans and coaches alike. But with each passing game, questions grow louder about his maturity and decision-making.
The heat in Philadelphia has been another factor testing Chelsea’s mettle, with record-high temperatures making training difficult. “It’s been impossible to train like we usually do,” Maresca admitted. “But that’s not an excuse. Everyone has to keep their head. Especially now.”
The challenge against ES Tunis will be as mental as it is physical. The North African side are no pushovers, and Chelsea must rally quickly to ensure their Club World Cup journey doesn’t end prematurely. All eyes will be on how the Blues respond without Jackson—and whether his moment of madness has lasting consequences on his place in Maresca’s long-term plans.
As Chelsea enter the business end of the season, they need all hands on deck. Unfortunately for them, one of their key hands just got himself sent off. Again.
