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A journey to the Allianz Arena evokes memorable memories for the Blues, reminding them of their triumphant 2012 Champions League success. But this time presents a twist: a face-off with the Senegalese striker, a player eager to prove that his former club erred in sending him out on loan.

Incentive Abounds for The Loanee

Perhaps Chelsea’s manager will feel nervous if Chelsea come up against Nicolas Jackson when they begin their European campaign against Bayern Munich. There are numerous instances of players on loan coming back to trouble their former team in this tournament, and Jackson will not be short of drive if he plays against Chelsea only a month after departing.

A Deal Full of Uncertainty

The attacker is out to show his worth, particularly after the saga around his transfer. It all seemed straightforward when the player traveled to Bavaria on August 30th. The German club had reached an agreement to sign him on loan with an possibility to buy, only for the circumstances to take a turn when a Chelsea striker sustained a muscle problem later that day. The agreement was off. The setback was long-term, and the club did not want to take a chance on heading into a busy autumn schedule with only one fit striker.

However Jackson had no interest in coming back to be a backup to João Pedro. He remained in Germany and was compensated for his resolve when updated discussions ended with the Munich side finalizing a deal for him, with a €65m clause to purchase that will be triggered if he meets a certain number of appearances.

Sense Won Out

Chelsea had not much benefit from keeping an discontented attacker, particularly after earlier indicating they were willing to sell. Jackson would not have been in a positive mental state if he had returned to London. The signs were far from reassuring during the CWC. An unnecessary dismissal shortly after being substituted on during Chelsea’s defeat by Flamengo was suggestive of his state of mind.

No one was shocked that the manager’s tolerance ran out after Jackson’s second dismissal in a handful of games. The question, however, is whether Chelsea have left a gap. Marc Guiu, brought back from a brief loan at the Championship side, was not on the substitutes’ list for the draw at Brentford. Jackson’s exit leaves a hole with Delap out. The forward, brought in from Villarreal two years ago, was far from a failure. His finishing was haphazard but he scored two dozen strikes in sixty-five Premier League games, linked up well with a key playmaker, and was often a handful for centre-backs. The ideal striker is exactly him,” Maresca said in April.

Kompany Also An Admirer

Reports emerged that Vincent Kompany was also a admirer. The German champions wanted backup for Harry Kane and have secured a versatile option. The new signing is capable of shifting wide and played alongside the England captain when he made his debut as a half-time substitute against a Bundesliga side recently.

Becoming more clinical is the main aim for the 24-year-old. Ideally, he can pay close attention from the prolific forward in practice. The club, in turn, are looking to leverage his familiarity of Chelsea. There has also been speculation in the German media of Kompany requesting the player for insights about the Chelsea boss’s tactics and instructions.

A Fixture Full of Spice

It shapes up as a contest full of narrative. Chelsea’s comeback to the Champions League after a 24-month hiatus brings them back to the ground where they won it for the first time, evoking thoughts of that famous 2012 triumph over the Germans in Munich. Maresca’s players should not have an lack of belief. Frank Lampard’s Chelsea were overpowered when they faced Hansi Flick’s team in the round of 16 five years ago, but the current version travel to Bavaria as Club World Cup winners and have spent significantly in their talented group.

Fascinating Strategic Duel Awaits

It promises to be an intriguing tactical battle between two the Manchester City boss disciples. It would not be a surprise if Maresca uses the model that flummoxed PSG in the Club World Cup final, with the playmaker moving to the right and Reece James linking up with Enzo Fernández and another enforcer in a powerful engine room. Can Kompany counter? The Belgian won the Bundesliga title in his first season at the club but has his skeptics in England. His former club’s sorry top-flight season under Kompany is not easily forgotten, though it is important to note that the ex- City player has supporters at Chelsea. The club have on two occasions thought about appointing him: first when they dismissed a previous manager, then when they were looking to succeed another coach and ultimately choosing the current boss.

A key worry around Kompany, who joined the German side a week before the London club appointed their gaffer, was whether he was flexible enough. The Munich outfit have had no such complaints. They netted 99 Bundesliga goals last season and will throw a varied attack at Chelsea. Luis Díaz, a ex- Liverpool player, is a familiar threat. The French midfielder, who will test a Chelsea defender on the right, is one more of the match’s subplots.

The Winger: One Who Got Away

Olise has had to graft since leaving Chelsea’s academy when he was a teenager. His journey has not been easy but the youngster has grown and might well have landed back at Chelsea. The club tried to activate his release clause at a London rival in last year and were beaten to his signature by Bayern a after that.

The talented wide man is a missed opportunity. He has excelled at the Bundesliga, providing goals, assists and dazzling trickery. Chelsea will have to be at their sharpest. Kompany, Jackson and Olise will be out to show them what they’re missing.