Chelsea icon claims Cole Palmer is lost without Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel believes Cole Palmer “looks lost” in the current Blues frontline without Nicolas Jackson.

Cole Palmer has endured a frustrating 2025/26 season as he struggled to stay fit in the early days. Now back to full fitness, the England international has not been able to lift the team as the heavy 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City put Chelsea’s hopes of Champions League qualification in serious jeopardy.

Mikel has now insisted that the void left by Jackson’s unique skillset, having seen him join Bayern Munich on loan last summer is affecting the squad.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel acknowledged that Jackson’s work rate and tactical intelligence were underrated during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson during a Training Session. (Photo by Justin Setterfield – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

”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. ”Yes, 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 argued that the relationship between both players was vital for the team’s success last season, noting that the space Jackson created remains unfilled while claiming summer signing Liam Delap has not hit the required level.

“Nobody is giving us that link-up play. Was he scoring enough? Maybe not,” Mikel said. “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.”

Jackson is currently on a season-long loan with Bayern, but his future in the Bundesliga remains uncertain.

Despite having a buy option in his contract, Bayern are reportedly looking at other options and may not trigger the clause. It’s now left to be seen if Jackson will reunite with Palmer at Stamford Bridge or move elsewhere in the summer.