Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is poised to miss up to ten matches during the 2025–26 season due to his commitment to Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a contentious scheduling decision by FIFA.
Nicolas Jackson Set to Miss Up to 10 Chelsea Matches Due to AFCON Commitment
Originally slated for June and July 2025, the AFCON has been rescheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. This change was made to avoid a clash with FIFA’s inaugural 32-team Club World Cup, set for the same summer period.
The new AFCON dates coincide with the Premier League’s hectic festive schedule, potentially causing Jackson to miss several key fixtures.
During the same period in the 2024–25 season, Chelsea played six matches, including five league games and an FA Cup third-round tie.
Additional fixtures could arise if Chelsea progress in domestic cups or European competitions, further amplifying Jackson’s absence.
Senegal’s group stage matches are scheduled against Botswana on December 23, the Democratic Republic of Congo on December 27, and Benin on December 30.
Given Senegal’s strong track record—having reached the final in both the 2019 and 2021 editions—they are expected to advance beyond the group stage, potentially extending Jackson’s time away from club duties.
The rescheduling has sparked controversy among European clubs, particularly in the Premier League, where the festive period is crucial.
FIFA regulations stipulate that clubs are only obligated to release players for one international tournament per year, leading to debates about player availability for either the AFCON or the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces the challenge of navigating this period without one of his key forwards.
Jackson’s potential absence underscores the ongoing tension between club commitments and international duties, especially as football’s global calendar becomes increasingly congested.
