Chelsea have been dealt an early-season setback after summer signing Liam Delap was forced off with a hamstring injury during the opening stages of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old striker, who joined the Blues in the summer and has been handed a prominent role by head coach Enzo Maresca, pulled up just 15 minutes into the West London derby. Despite initially trying to continue, Delap signaled to the bench before being substituted, cutting short what was meant to be another chance to prove himself in Chelsea’s attack.
Promising Start Interrupted
Delap had been given back-to-back starts by Maresca, having played over an hour in Chelsea’s emphatic 5-1 win over West Ham the previous weekend. With Joao Pedro operating just behind him in the No.10 role, Delap was tasked with leading the line against Fulham and was aiming to net his first Premier League goal for the club.
Unfortunately, those ambitions have now been put on hold. According to Maresca, the forward’s type of injury usually requires between six to eight weeks of recovery time, meaning Chelsea will likely be without Delap until at least late October.
Looking Ahead
While the setback is undoubtedly frustrating for Delap, the striker will be determined to return strongly once he recovers. At just 22, he remains an important long-term option for Chelsea, and Maresca is expected to lean on squad depth to navigate the upcoming fixtures.
For now, the Blues must adapt quickly, with crucial matches on the horizon. How well they manage without Delap could prove decisive in maintaining early-season momentum.
