Nicolas Jackson will miss Chelsea’s next two games at the Club World Cup after FIFA imposed an extended suspension following his red card against Flamengo.
The Senegalese striker was brought on in the 64th minute of Friday’s group clash but lasted just four minutes before receiving a red card for a studs-up tackle on Lucas Ayrton. That early exit initially drew a one-match ban, ruling him out of the next group game against Esperance Tunis.
However, FIFA has now added a second match to the suspension. This means the 23-year-old will also miss a potential last-16 showdown with Bayern Munich, should Chelsea qualify.
With the extra match added to his punishment, Chelsea have no right to appeal and must now continue without him for the remainder of the group stage and likely the first knockout round.
Enzo Maresca has adjusted accordingly, having excluded Jackson from Monday’s training session ahead of the crucial Group D decider. Liam Delap is now tipped to lead the line on Tuesday as Chelsea aim to secure at least a point to progress.
This isn’t Jackson’s first suspension in recent weeks. He had received a red card during Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United on May 11, serving two matches of a three-match ban already.
As a result, he will also be unavailable for the Blues’ opening Premier League game of the 2025–26 season. Jackson is not expected to make another competitive appearance until Chelsea visit West Ham United on August 23.
Chelsea now face the remainder of their Club World Cup campaign and their Premier League opener without their key forward, putting added pressure on Maresca’s attacking options.