Explained: Why Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson travelled back to Villarreal despite Mauricio Pochettino's 'no day off' warning to squad after Newcastle loss

The Chelsea star - who joined the club from Villarreal in the summer for £30 million ($38m) - travelled to Spain less than 24 hours after the club's humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday. Jackson attended The Yellow Submarine's home game against Osasuna in La Liga, which they won 3-1, and was later spotted in their dressing room congratulating his former team-mates.

Mauricio Pochettino was left fuming after his club conceded four goals for the third consecutive game. He termed the match as their worst performance in the 2023-24 season to date and had also strictly mentioned that there would be "no off day" for his players after the disastrous showing at St. James' Park.

However, Jackson's trip to Spain was pre-planned and approved by Chelsea before the disastrous result against the Magpies, according to The Standard. After a rough start to life in England, the Senegalese striker picked up form in the last couple of months. Prior to Saturday's clash, he had netted four goals in his last two Premier League appearances, which included a hat-trick against Tottenham.

The Blues, who are currently struggling in 10th position on the league table, will aim to get back to winning ways on Sunday when they take on Brighton. Jackson will be in line for another start under Pochettino despite his brief return to Villarreal.