Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has ruled out Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku from Friday’s Premier League clash against West Ham United, Afrosport reports.
Jackson missed Chelsea’s opening day draw against Crystal Palace due to suspension, while Nkunku was dropped from the squad despite being fully fit.
Maresca confirmed that both forwards remain available for selection but stressed they are not in his plans, with their futures at Stamford Bridge yet to be resolved. The Italian has placed faith in summer recruits Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, leaving Jackson and Nkunku surplus to requirements.
“We’ll see if they are going to be here,” Maresca said when asked about their situations. “If they are not here, it means they have found a solution. At the end, I think it’s always better if they do because they will be happier, and the club will be the same.”
He continued: “Nico is available, but he will not be part of the squad because we already have two strikers in that position, and anything can still happen before the window closes. Christo is with us like Nico, but his answer is the same as Nico.”
Jackson is attracting interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United, while Nkunku could be set for a return to RB Leipzig, with the Bundesliga side eager to re-sign the France international.
When asked if either forward could still play a role if they remain beyond the September deadline, Maresca admitted: “No idea to be honest. It is not the moment. There are still two weeks to go until the deadline, and it’s difficult to plan becasue anything can happen.”
The Chelsea boss also confirmed that defender Tosin Adarabioyo is back from injury and available for selection, while Romeo Lavia (muscular) and Benoit Badiashile (leg) remain sidelined.
The 45-year-old expects a challenging fixture at the London Stadium against West Ham, who suffered a 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland on the opening weekend.
“Tough game, again,” he said. “All Premier League games are tough. If you remember the game at home last year, it was difficult for us. They defended very well.
“Tomorrow I expect the same. Again, the Premier League just started so you can see they are trying to find some solutions in the same way we are doing.”
