Nicolas Jackson Absence Leaves Chelsea As Cole Palmer Struggles Up Front

Chelsea’s attack is under scrutiny after John Obi Mikel argued that Nicolas Jackson’s loan move has hurt Cole Palmer’s influence. With Chelsea struggling in the race for Champions League qualification, Mikel believes the forward line lacks Jackson’s specific qualities, which previously helped Palmer thrive in the final third.

The pressure increased after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday left Chelsea’s top-four hopes in serious doubt. Palmer has still delivered 18 goal contributions this season, with 13 goals and five assists in 33 matches. Yet Mikel feels Chelsea are no longer exploiting Palmer’s creativity in the same way.

Jackson is currently on loan at Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich for the 2025-26 campaign. Jackson has scored eight goals and supplied four assists in 30 games in all competitions. Those numbers come after an impressive 2024-25 season at Stamford Bridge, when Jackson struck 13 times in all competitions for Chelsea.

During that 2024-25 campaign, Palmer led Chelsea with 26 goal involvements. Palmer’s 15 goals were the highest total in the squad as Chelsea also lifted the Club World Cup during the summer. Only Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, who scored 14 goals, managed more than Jackson’s 13 for the Blues.

Mikel highlighted how much he thinks Chelsea miss Jackson’s contribution alongside Palmer. "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 on the Obi OnePodcast. Mikel stressed that none of Chelsea’s current strikers match that profile.

Mikel also praised Jackson’s off-the-ball work and relationship with Palmer. "Joao 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 suggested Palmer’s current form reflects that broken understanding in attack.

Palmer has still created 42 chances across all competitions this season, which is the fourth-highest total among Chelsea players. However, Mikel argued that the absence of Jackson’s movement and pressing leaves Palmer without the same options around the penalty area, reducing Chelsea’s fluency in advanced positions.

Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer compared with other forwards

Chelsea allowed Jackson to leave and instead reshaped the forward line in the transfer window. Liam Delap arrived from Ipswich Town, while Joao Pedro joined from Brighton. Joao Pedro has enjoyed a strong debut season at Stamford Bridge, but Delap has found it harder to adjust to the demands.

Joao Pedro has 28 goal involvements this season, more than any other Chelsea player. Yet Joao Pedro has not scored in the Premier League since the start of March, which has added to concerns about Chelsea’s cutting edge. Delap has three goals from 40 games in all competitions, starting only 17 of those appearances.

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Mikel questioned whether Chelsea replaced Jackson’s all-round play. "Nobody is giving us that link-up play. Was he scoring enough? Maybe not," Mikel added. "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 comments underline a broader debate around Chelsea’s attacking structure. Chelsea still rely heavily on Palmer’s goals and creativity, while Joao Pedro supplies numbers but a different style. With Jackson pressing from the front at Bayern Munich, Chelsea continue to search for a balance that restores Palmer’s influence and keeps Champions League hopes alive.