Why Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson will NOT play against Liverpool as Senegal scupper plans despite Africa Cup of Nations exit - explained

Reigning AFCON champions Senegal were knocked out of the competition after losing to Ivory Coast on penalties on Monday. The striker was expected to fly back to England to compete in Chelsea's trip to Anfield in the league on Wednesday, but ultimately he will not be part of Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

Chelsea booked Jackson a seat on a commercial flight so that he could return to the squad for the midweek clash. However, The Telegraph reports that Senegal refused to allow any of their players to fly back to their clubs despite their exit from the competition.

Chelsea boss Pochettino wanted Jackson to be on the substitutes' bench at least, saying earlier in the week: "If it means we have a one per cent more chance to win the game for sure we will try it! But I don’t know if he is brave enough to jump. We are waiting. All I can say is that maybe he will be there. The other day Ghana lost and were out and Inaki Williams arrived a few hours before and played in the second half to beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. Why can’t Jackson arrive and score the winning goal?"

The London team will visit Anfield on Wednesday with the hope of securing three points against the Premier League leaders. Chelsea are 10th in the table after 21 games and sit 17 points behind Jurgen Klopp's Reds.