- Liam Delap out for 10–12 weeks with a hamstring injury; misses up to 17 matches.
- Key fixtures impacted include Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
- Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu and reconsidered Nicolas Jackson’s loan due to Delap’s injury.
- Midfielder Dario Essugo undergoes thigh surgery, adding to Chelsea’s injury concerns.
- Delap has yet to score in the Premier League this season but scored once in the Club World Cup.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap faces a lengthy absence after suffering a hamstring injury in the recent west London derby against Fulham. Initially expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, the 22-year-old’s recovery timeline has now been extended to 10–12 weeks, according to manager Enzo Maresca.
The injury comes shortly after Delap’s summer arrival from Ipswich Town for £30 million. He could miss up to 17 matches across Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions, including high-profile clashes against Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.
Chelsea have taken extra precautions due to Delap’s absence, recalling Marc Guiu from loan and reconsidering the loan of Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich. Delap, who scored once in six Club World Cup appearances, has yet to open his Premier League account this season.
Adding to Chelsea’s injury concerns, 20-year-old midfielder Dario Essugo recently underwent successful thigh surgery while on international duty with Portugal’s U21 team. Essugo, signed from Sporting for £18.5 million, will also miss a significant portion of the season as he begins his recovery at Cobham.
