Chelsea given new Nicolas Jackson red card verdict as Enzo Maresca dealt Champions League blow

Peter Crouch has described Nicolas Jackson's challenge on Sven Botman as a 'definite red card'. The 23-year-old striker was given his marching orders during the first half of .

John Brooks initially cautioned Jackson following an aerial collision with Sven Botman. Darren England, the Video Assistant Referee, and his assistant, Natalie Aspinall, reviewed the incident at Stockley Park before .

Brooks had a look at the challenge and . An explanation from the Premier League Match Centre on X stated that Jackson committed 'serious foul play'.

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It reads: "VAR checked the referee’s call of yellow card to Jackson – and , therefore recommended an on-field review. The referee then upgraded the yellow to a red card."

Speaking on TNT Sports at half-time, Crouch was quizzed on Brook's decision to send Jackson off. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker said: "If you're looking at the ball the whole way, . The two looks gave the game away. It's a definite red card."

Joe Cole agreed, describing the collision as 'silly'. The former Chelsea midfielder said: "No, he can't (have any complaints). He has a look... bang! Forearm smash to the face. It's a silly thing to do. He gave the referee no choice."

Meanwhile, speaking on Sky Sports News, Clinton Morrison said: "He has let his team down in this game and for the rest of the season. He has completely lost his head."

And, Dean Ashton added: "It is clear. He caught him square in the face. It is a terrible challenge. He looked across and caught him flush in the face. It is mindless. He has forced his arm into Botman."

Jackson will now serve a three-match ban for his red card, meaning he'll miss Chelsea's upcoming clashes against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest. Without the Senegal international, Enzo Maresca has been dealt a huge blow to his chances of clinching UEFA Champions League qualification.

Fortunately for Chelsea, Marc Guiu could return from injury just in time. The 19-year-old striker suffered a knee injury during the Blues' win over West Ham back in December.

Guiu been out of action for a while now, but Maresca recently claimed he could be back soon. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Chelsea's clash against Djurgårdens on Thursday night, the Italian said: "We don’t have any new injuries.

"This is good for us. Everyone is fit and Marc Guiu could even be involved in tomorrow’s squad. We are not sure yet, we will make a decision on him, but he is getting closer.

"Maybe it’s better for Marc to have a few more days of training, but he is very close to being back with us. That will be very good news for us and for Marc."