Former Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi has admitted that Chelsea are feeling the absence of Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Blues have endured a significant slump in recent weeks, with the club’s top performers struggling to maintain consistency. Defensively, the team has been shipping goals, while the attack has failed to find its clinical edge.
With Cole Palmer’s form dipping and Pedro Neto’s goal contributions drying up, the lack of a cohesive frontline has become glaring.
Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge laid their problems bare. As it stands, the club is in a precarious position, facing the very real risk of missing out on Champions League football next season.
Meanehile, Mikel, who spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge, has been a vocal critic of the current squad. While he recently questioned the impact of summer signing Liam Delap, he shifted his stance during the latest episode of the Obi One Podcast, noting that Jackson’s unique profile is exactly what the team lacks.
Mikel Obi Wants Nicolas Jackson Back at Chelsea
Reflecting on the striker's departure, Mikel acknowledged Jackson’s importance to the squad’s tactical balance:
”I actually think right now we are missing him. I can say that on the pod. What he gave us, no striker is providing right now,” ‘Mikel said.
“Yes, João Pedro is scoring goals, but look at what Nicolas Jackson offered in terms of high pressing and his telepathic connection with Cole Palmer. Palmer looks lost without him.”
Mikel emphasized that Jackson's ability to stretch defenses created the necessary space for Chelsea's creative players to operate in “the pocket.”
”Nobody is giving us that link-up play. Was he scoring enough? Maybe not. But was he giving his all for the club? Absolutely. My only issue was competition.
“I felt he wasn’t patient enough to stay and fight for his place. If he were here now, he would be the main man because he is certainly better than Liam Delap, who still needs to improve his game.”
Mikel’s praise comes as a surprise, given his history of harsh criticism toward the Senegalese international. The tension between the two famously peaked when Jackson made a shush gesture toward Mikel after scoring a goal last season.
With Jackson’s current stint in Germany reportedly nearing its end, rumors suggest he could return to Stamford Bridge to bolster an attack that is currently firing blanks.
