Liam Delap has been sidelined from the Chelsea squad for up to three months after suffering a hamstring injury.
Chelsea boss gives new update on Delap injury
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Liam Delap will miss 10-12 weeks after hobbling off in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Fulham in late August. The striker was forced off just minutes into the match after pulling up with a leg problem. Now, it that rules him out until December.
The player arrived this summer from Ipswich for £30m. He was expected to be central to the Blues’ attack. But, this setback has forced a rethink. His injury also disrupted the club’s deadline day strategy. The west London side was planning on to cancel Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich. Although, Jackson pushed to complete the move, leaving Chelsea in a tricky standoff.
To cover the gap, the Blues recalled Marc Guiu from his brief Sunderland spell. The former Barcelona forward is now set to be given his chance under Maresca.
Who steps up for the Blues now ?
Delap’s absence means the pressure shifts to fellow summer signing Joao Pedro. The Brazilian has hit the ground running for the London side. He has two goals and two assists in his opening three league outings. Maresca may now have to push him further forward, changing his squad’s early-season dynamics.
Meanwhile, Guiu is still finding his feet in English football. He is likely to get more minutes. Although, much will depend on how quickly he adapts to the league’s pace. The timing of Delap’s injury is a hammer blow given his potential and the investment the Blues made in him.
Author’s Opinion:
Delap’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Chelsea. Maresca has attacking talent at his disposal, but replacing a natural number nine for three months will be tough. Joao Pedro looks ready, but Guiu could be the surprise that defines the club’s next few weeks.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
