Chelsea are facing growing problems in attack after selling Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap during the summer transfer window. The lack of striker options has become even more serious since Joao Pedro picked up an injury.
Without the Brazilian forward, Chelsea have managed just one win in their last four matches. Their recent performances have also raised questions about the club’s decision to let two strikers leave.
The problem became clear during their 1-0 defeat to Sunderland on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Pedro Neto played in a central attacking role but failed to make a strong impact.
Chelsea now need to find another source of goals. Their current options have struggled to fill the gap left by Jackson and Delap.
Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap Shine at New Clubs
Chelsea’s decision to sell Jackson and Delap has attracted fresh attention. Both players have started to make an impact at their new clubs.
Jackson joined Aston Villa in a deal worth up to £65 million. The 25-year-old has made an impressive start, scoring nine goals in his first 14 appearances for the club.
His recent form looks even better. Jackson has scored four goals in his last three Premier League matches.
Delap also appears to be finding his feet after leaving Stamford Bridge. Nottingham Forest signed the striker in a deal worth up to £50 million.
He recently caught attention with two goals in an impressive performance against Manchester City on Saturday.
Their strong starts have added to the debate around Chelsea’s transfer decisions. The club allowed both forwards to leave but did not bring in enough depth to cover their positions.
Bryan King Questions Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy
Former Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton scout Bryan King believes Chelsea must review their decisions.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, King pointed to the lack of natural centre-forwards in the squad.
Chelsea did not face much criticism when they sold Jackson and Delap. Both players had fallen out of favour in the club’s plans.
However, the club was expected to sign at least one replacement. Instead, head coach Xabi Alonso now has fewer options when Joao Pedro cannot play.
“They sold Delap, then they let Jackson go. Now Chelsea only have one natural centre-forward,” King told Football Insider.
His comments reflect a wider concern about Chelsea’s squad balance. A club with major ambitions needs more than one reliable option in the striker position.
Injuries can affect any team. But a lack of cover can turn one absence into a much bigger problem.
Rogers and Neto Struggle in Central Roles
King also questioned Chelsea’s decision to use Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto as central attackers.
He does not believe either player offers the qualities of a natural striker.
“They play Rogers and Neto up front. I don’t see either of them as a centre-forward. Chelsea only have themselves to blame for this situation,” King said.
Rogers also struggled when Chelsea faced Tottenham without Joao Pedro. The coaching staff gave him a role at the front, but King felt he failed to make an impact.
The defeat to Sunderland raised similar concerns. Chelsea struggled to create enough danger, while Neto could not provide the attacking presence the team needed.
King was also highly critical of Chelsea’s performance against Sunderland.
“They were completely beaten by Sunderland. Chelsea did not play as they should,” he added.
These comments put more pressure on Alonso to find a better solution. He must get more from his available players while waiting for injured stars to return.
Chelsea Cannot Rely Only on Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro has been out since Chelsea’s match against Tottenham in October. The club hopes he can return after the international break.
His absence has exposed the lack of depth in Chelsea’s attack. The Brazilian remains an important part of the team’s plans, but the club cannot depend on him to solve every problem.
Chelsea also have Danny Welbeck as another option. However, Alonso has given him limited playing time so far. He has often used the striker as a substitute rather than a regular starter.
That approach could come under review if Pedro needs more time to recover.
Alonso has also admitted that injuries have affected the team. He believes several players could make a major difference once they return.
“Whether we win or lose, we are missing some players through injury. We are looking forward to their return because they are very important to the team,” Alonso said on Sunday.
Chelsea Need Answers Before the Striker Problem Gets Worse
Chelsea now face an important test. They must find a way to score goals while Joao Pedro remains unavailable.
The club’s summer decisions have become a major talking point. Jackson and Delap have both started well at their new teams, while Chelsea continue to search for the right attacking balance.
Alonso can still try different formations and give other players more chances. However, the team needs a natural striker who can lead the attack and finish chances.
Chelsea may also need to consider signing another forward in a future transfer window.
For now, the main challenge is clear. Chelsea must find a reliable goal scorer and improve their attacking options. Otherwise, the absence of one player could continue to hurt their results.
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