Merson told Sportskeeda: “Chelsea are struggling so badly at the moment. I look at them and they are missing Nicolas Jackson quite badly. Without him, I don’t see a real pattern of play. Jackson’s absence is also affecting Cole Palmer, who has to drop deeper now.”

Chelsea are reportedly at risk of losing a number of key players this summer if they fall short of Champions League qualification, with talisman Cole Palmer's future also in doubt

Troy Deeney reckons that Chelsea may find it difficult to keep Cole Palmer happy at the club if they don’t qualify for the Champions League. Chelsea enjoyed a fast start this season under new boss Enzo Maresca and were even briefly considered as challengers for the Premier League title.