Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson set to miss Liverpool clash after delayed return
Chelsea are set to be without Nicolas Jackson for the clash against Liverpool at Anfield tonight, despite Maurcio Pochettino's hopes that the forward would return from international duty in time.
Jackson had been a part of Senegal's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations this month, but his side were eliminated at the last 16 stage on Monday night.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Blues manager Pochettino expressed his hope that the 22-year-old striker could return in time to play some part in the game at Anfield — even joking about his forward coming off the bench to score a winner.
“We are seeing [if it is possible]," Pochettino told reporters. "Maybe it will happen. If it means we have a one percent more chance to win the game, for sure, we will try it.
"We are waiting. All I can say is that maybe he will be there. The other day, Ghana lost and were out, and Inaki Williams arrived a few hours before and played in the second half to beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey.
"Why can’t Jackson arrive and score the winning goal?”
However, that plan appears (even more) far fetched after it was reported that Jackson was still in Senegal as of midday UK time on Wednesday and not due to take off until later in the day.
According to the report from London World, Senegal manager Aliou Cisse is behind the delay after insisting that every member of the team return to Dakar together before head off to their clubs.
Meanwhile, Pochettino has also confirmed that a tendon issue will stop defender Levi Colwill from travelling with the squad to Merseyside.
Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu and Trevoh Chalobah are all also out injured.
However, Pochettino has confirmed that Malo Gusto and Christopher Nkunku are in contention for the clash after returning to fitness.
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