Chelsea return to the Allianz Arena for their Champions League opener against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, a ground where they secured their first European Cup triumph in 2012. However, the focus will be on Nicolas Jackson, the striker who left Chelsea on loan last month and could face his former club.
Jackson’s move to Bayern was nearly derailed when Chelsea pulled out after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury, but the Senegal international stayed in Germany and forced through a deal. Bayern have an obligation to buy for €65m (£56m) if Jackson reaches a certain number of appearances.
Jackson had fallen out of favour at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, receiving two red cards in three games, including one in the Club World Cup. Maresca had previously called Jackson “my perfect No 9” in April, but the club decided to let him go after the striker made clear he wanted to leave.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany is a fan of Jackson, who provides versatile cover for Harry Kane. There have been reports that Kompany has asked Jackson for insights into Maresca’s tactics. Chelsea, meanwhile, travel as world champions and have invested heavily in their young squad.
The match promises an intriguing tactical battle between two disciples of Pep Guardiola. Maresca may use the formation that worked in the Club World Cup final, with Cole Palmer pushing to the right and Reece James joining Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo in midfield.
