Xabi Alonso Confirms Chelsea Loanee Will Get Fresh Chance

In the last few days, Xabi Alonso has got to work as the new Chelsea manager in pre-season. The players who did not participate in this summer's FIFA World Cup have reported to training and there is already lots of excitement and anticipation for the new season. 

As all managers do at the beginning of pre-season - but especially those beginning their role - Alonso has been doing lots of media work. Earlier on today, he confirmed the club are looking at solutions for first team winger Alejandro Garnacho to leave the club. 

He also commented on the status of another player whose future was in doubt, giving a rather different answer. Indeed so, as the 44-year old confirmed that Nicolas Jackson, who spent the 25/26 season on loan at German giants Bayern Munich, will get a fresh chance at the club. 

When addressing the media regarding Jackson, Alonso said the following: "He's (Jackson) joining our tour in Asia. (We are) looking forward to working with him in that time." 

Interesting. Good to see, you feel. At least let Alonso have the chance to look at him during pre-season, to be able to make a decision either way having seen him. That feels the sensible move. 

As it stands, Chelsea have Joao Pedro, Marc Guiu, Liam Delap, David Fofana, Emmanuel Emegha and Jackson in the striker position. It is not realistic for all of these players to remain at the club this season. 

You would have thought that Guiu and Fofana will be loaned or sold. That still leaves four options, which is probably one too many. The club will not want to sell Pedro, though perhaps they will have no choice. It would be a surprise for Emegha to be shipped out straight after joining, even on loan. 

So, ideally, as harsh as it may sound after just one season, Delap could be the sacrificial lamb. It really has not worked out for him at Chelsea so far, with just two goals last season.  

To have Pedro, Emegha and Jackson as your three options feels pretty good. A bonafide star, an unknown quantity with potential, and a player who we know can be very good and links up well with Cole Palmer. 

Chelsea's first game in Asia takes place against Western Sydney Wanderers on the 28th of July at 10:45 BST. They will be training there for a little while before then, so it will not be too long now. Senegal were knocked out of the World Cup on July the 1st, so with a few weeks of holiday, you imagine Jackson's return will more or less coincide with the trip to Asia.