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

Chelsea have been warned that their “biggest problem” at the moment concerns Cole Palmer after a recent dip in form. The England midfielder has 14 goals and six assists this season, but that tally has not been added to in any of his last five matches in all competitions.