Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has revealed his plans for Nicolas Jackson in the final third ahead of the new season.

Despite missing big chances with a certain regularity during 2023-24, Jackson can be left satisfied with his first year in English football after a transfer from Villarreal.

A total of 17 goals and six assists came from his 44 appearances in all competitions, 19 of which were recorded in the Premier League.

The Senegal international largely played down the centre of the attack, yet there were times during the campaign when he excelled playing off the left flank.

Whether the 23-year-old is used there under Enzo Maresca has become a hot topic for debate courtesy of Marc Guiu having already been added to the forward ranks and the Blues seemingly intent on signing Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion.

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Maresca speaks on Jackson

As a result of an ankle injury picked up on international duty in June, Jackson has been unable to feature in any of Maresca's opening four friendlies as Chelsea boss.

That has allowed the subject to continue to divide opinion, but Maresca used a pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Real Madrid to try to clarify his plans.

The Italian said, as quoted by football.london: "Nicolas, this morning, had his first session with us even if the session was very light because we play tomorrow and played less than 48 hours ago.

"So this morning's session was very, very, very light but at least he worked with us. That is important. And for the position, I see Nicolas as a striker."

When quizzed on the potential for a stint out on the flank, Maresca added: "For a moment of the season, all of them can play in different positions. The other day, Misha [Mudryk] played on the right, just to see something.

"That can happen. I know Misha is better on the left side than the right side. Nicolas is a number nine but if we need him out on the wing, he will be a winger."

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Does Jackson have a chance of making opening Premier League fixture?

With just 12 days to go until a showdown with Manchester City on August 18, the chances of Jackson starting that encounter seem to be remote.

Maresca is using a largely different strategy to predecessor Mauricio Pochettino and Jackson will require time to get up to speed.

Chelsea are due to play five competitive games in the space of two weeks before the first international break, the current expectation being that Jackson will be drafted into the team as the matches progress.

As it stands, Christopher Nkunku appears most likely to start as a number nine against Man City, although that is unlikely to be Maresca's preference for the versatile attacker when every player is fit.

Written by
Darren Plant