Maresca claims FA Cup exit highlighted how “important” one Chelsea star is to the team | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca claimed Chelsea missed Nicolas Jackson as they crashed out of the FA Cup against Brighton on Saturday evening.

The Blues slumped to a 2-1 defeat on the south coast meaning their only chance of silverware this season is the Conference League.

Bart Verbruggen pushed Cole Palmer’s effort into the back of the net to give Chelsea an early lead, but Georginio Rutter equalised, before Karou Mitoma scored a second half winner.

Maresca highlights importance of Jackson

Given the absence of both Marc Guiu and Jackson, Maresca turned to Christopher Nkunku to lead the line, with the Frenchman the only option.

The 27-year-old by Maresca’s own admission isn’t a number nine and we’ve seen him struggle already this season in that role.

Unfortunately for Chelsea it was more of the same on this occasion as Nkunku had no impact on proceedings and just one touch in the Brighton box.

Jackson was missed by Chelsea against Brighton. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Jackson has been the first choice this season, and despite not scoring in 2025 to date, he brings a lot to the team off the ball, which Nkunku simply doesn’t.

The Senegal international was no doubt a miss, and Maresca believes Jackson’s absence actually showed how important he is to the team.

“Sometimes I think you need to play some games without players to realise how important they are,” he said as quoted by The Mirror.

“Off the ball, his pressing is always very good and on the ball he is a threat always.”

Jackson has scored nine league goals so far this season, and whilst his finishing has clearly improved he’s still been guilty of missing a number of big chances.

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Chelsea decided against adding an attacker in the January window, a decision which could end up costing the club Champions League football, but they are believed to be leading the race for Liam Delap.

Maresca will desperately be hoping Jackson is fit enough to return on Friday as the Blues once again travel to Brighton.