Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has left the door open for Nicolas Jackson to start in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Chelsea, calling it a “special game” for the striker.
Jackson joined Bayern on loan late in the summer after a dramatic transfer saga that saw Chelsea initially block his move when striker Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury.
Eventually, the Blues sanctioned the switch after recalling Marc Guiu from Sunderland, with Bayern securing Jackson on a £14.3 million loan deal that includes a potential £56.2m permanent transfer if he reaches 40 starts.
Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeneß cast doubt on Jackson ever meeting that threshold, but the 23-year-old insists he is unfazed by the challenge. He has made just one appearance so far, coming off the bench in Saturday’s 5-0 Bundesliga win over Hamburg.
Facing his parent club in the Champions League, Jackson will compete for a spot in an attack already firing on all cylinders with Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, and Serge Gnabry, who have combined for 21 goal contributions this season.
When asked if Jackson could start, Kompany said:
“We will see tomorrow. I don’t think it will be black or white but it will certainly be a special game for him.”
The Belgian coach added that Bayern had thoroughly studied Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side and were ready for the challenge.
Kane also spoke highly of his new teammate:
“He looked sharp at the weekend and really good in training. He’s strong, fast, and if he plays tomorrow, he’ll be eager to impress and get his first Bayern goal.”
With no UEFA rules preventing him from playing against Chelsea, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he seizes the opportunity in Munich’s Champions League opener.
