Nicolas Jackson is now Chelsea's third-choice striker - Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel believes that Nicolas Jackson has fallen to third in the striker pecking order at Stamford Bridge, following the impressive performances of new summer signings Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

However, Mikel maintains that the Senegal international still has a big role to play for the Blues.

After two seasons as Chelsea's primary natural striker, Jackson now faces considerable competition. Liam Delap, a £30 million arrival from Ipswich Town, has made a very positive impression in the Club World Cup, even scoring his first goal for the club against ES Tunis.

Delap was suspended for Tuesday's semi-final against Fluminense, which opened the door for Joao Pedro to make his first start.

Joao Pedro, who joined from Brighton for £60 million last week, seized his opportunity with both hands.

The Brazil international netted two sensational goals against his boyhood club Fluminense, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory for Enzo Maresca's side and sealing their place in the final.

While acknowledging the immediate impact of the new forwards, Mikel believes Jackson is now likely to start the new Premier League season as Enzo Maresca’s third-choice striker.

Nevertheless, he insists there's a future for Jackson at the club.

"It is important we have competition in the team, it is very important when you play for a big club and you are competing for trophies and that is what we have got now," Mikel told DAZN.

He added, "Three good strikers competing for one position. With Delap and Joao, that competition is going to push the players to go extra hard."

Mikel emphasised that Jackson's success now hinges on his discipline and focus.

"But I still think Jackson has a big part to play, he just needs to sort out himself in terms of discipline and what he wants to do here. But I just think with his performance here today, Joao and Delap are probably ahead of him right now,” he concluded.

Chelsea will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final on Sunday.