Chelsea striker Liam Delap should resume training in November, as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue. The 21-year-old is targeting a return to competitive action later this year and hopes to play a part in Chelsea’s festive matches.
According to David Ornstein, the injury he suffered early in the Blues’ controversial 2-0 win over West London rivals Fulham last month will sideline Delap for 10 weeks.
His withdrawal in the 14th minute was a cruel twist for all parties and seriously hampers the early-season plans of Enzo Maresca. While they wait for Delap to recover, greater emphasis is placed on the goal-scoring exploits of another key summer arrival, Joao Pedro.
The Injury That Caused A Ripple Effect For Many
In a transfer window that had us all gripped, Liam Delap’s strife set in motion a chain of events that delayed Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich.
The Senegal international did eventually complete his move to the Bundesliga, but it didn’t go without a hitch. When Enzo Maresca lost Delap just two days before deadline day, the deal that was already in place threatened to collapse.
Jackson was reportedly furious with his treatment, while Bayern remained determined to push through the loan move. On a frantic deadline day, the 24-year-old was allowed to move to the Allianz Arena in a €16.5 million loan agreement.
Chelsea were able to bolster their forward options by recalling Marc Guiu from Sunderland, resulting in a late scramble to find replacements. The Black Cats completed a last-gasp deal for Dutchman Brian Brobbey as they seek to capitalise on their promising start.
Return Date On The Horizon For Delap
Suffering a serious hamstring strain in just his third Premier League appearance for Chelsea is a devastating blow for the England under-21 international. Having impressed in their club World Cup victory, the £30m man was chomping at the bit to lead the line in the Premier League.
At least now there is light at the end of the tunnel for a player with high expectations. The 12 goals he scored in Ipswich Town’s relegation season last term had many top-flight clubs keen on his services.
It won’t just be his goals that are a miss as Chelsea approaches a hectic schedule, both in Europe and in domestic competition.
Delap uses every bit of his 6”1 frame, creating a commanding presence at the top of the pitch. It’s this unique attribute that has seen him become a firm favourite of Lee Carsley in charge of the young Lions.
With the positive news breaking that he won’t require surgery on his current injury, it at least provides some welcome relief for the Chelsea supporters.
Chelsea To Manage Without Their New Number Nine
The hamstring problem delays Liam Delap’s first taste of Champions League football, with even greater responsibility set to fall to £60m player Joao Pedro.
The Blues begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in Germany against Bayern Munich next week, between two crucial Premier League encounters.
With matches coming thick and fast, the Chelsea boss must utilise the considerable depth of his squad. With a League Cup tie at Lincoln City looming, Marc Guiu is set to get his opportunity.
As Delap continues to recuperate at their Cobham training ground, Chelsea must navigate his absence while still maintaining their competitive edge.