Liam Delap Returns From Injury
Chelsea have received a much-needed boost as striker Liam Delap returns from a hamstring injury at a crucial time. The Blues are struggling in front of goal and will hope the 22-year-old’s comeback can help lift their attack.
Delap is expected to feature in the Carabao Cup clash against Wolves on Wednesday (19:45 GMT), after missing 10 games since picking up the injury in August. His return comes as manager Enzo Maresca faces growing pressure to fix Chelsea’s inconsistent form.
Chelsea’s Attacking Struggles Continue
Chelsea’s recent 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland has highlighted their offensive problems once again. Manager Enzo Maresca admitted after the loss that his team showed “a lack of creativity” and their crossing “was not the best.”
The Blues have found it difficult to turn chances into goals. No forward has scored more than two goals so far this season, and their attacking output has been heavily criticized by fans and pundits alike.
Maresca has made it clear that the domestic cup competitions may be Chelsea’s best opportunity to win silverware this season. Delap’s return, therefore, could not have come at a better time.
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Delap’s Gradual Return to Action
Liam Delap, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town for £30 million, will be eased back into action carefully. Maresca confirmed that the young striker will be “phased in gradually” after his long absence.
Despite interest from Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton, Chelsea secured Delap’s signature during the summer. His arrival was seen as an investment for the future, but injuries have delayed his impact.
The England Under-21 forward now has a chance to relieve the pressure on Joao Pedro, who has been struggling for form in recent weeks.
Joao Pedro’s Dip in Form
Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton for £55 million, started the season brilliantly. He scored three goals in three matches as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup in the United States and added two goals and three assists in his first four Premier League games.
However, the 23-year-old has failed to score in his past seven matches, and Maresca has said he is one of three key players, alongside Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who need to be “protected.”
Delap’s return could give Maresca more options in attack and reduce the pressure on Joao Pedro to deliver every week.
Wider Problems in Chelsea’s Attack
Chelsea’s struggles go beyond their main strikers. Injuries and poor form have left the attack short of confidence and consistency.
- Cole Palmer has played just two full matches this season and is not expected to return from a groin injury until December.
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, signed from Borussia Dortmund for a fee rising to £52 million, has yet to score and has only one assist in 10 games.
- Alejandro Garnacho, a £40 million arrival from Manchester United, has just one goal in seven matches.
- Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old Brazilian signed from Palmeiras for £51 million, has two goals and one assist.
- Academy forward Tyrique George, along with Marc Guiu and Facundo Buonanotte, have each scored once this season.
- Even defender Marc Cucurella, who scored seven goals last season, is yet to find the net.
The only consistent attacking spark has come from Pedro Neto, who has one goal and two assists in his last two games after a slow start.
After 13 matches in all competitions, Chelsea’s top scorers are midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, both with four goals.
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Maresca Demands Shared Scoring Responsibility
Speaking about the team’s lack of natural finishers, Enzo Maresca said that Chelsea’s attackers must share the goal-scoring load.
“Absolutely, yes,” Maresca said. “We said many times that the five players at the front, we need six, seven, eight, nine, 10 goals each, in the way we have done last season.”
Despite the lack of clinical finishing, Maresca has found ways to keep Chelsea competitive. The team is currently second in the Premier League for set-piece goals, just one behind Arsenal.
Chelsea have also had 10 different goal scorers this season, more than any other team in the top flight, a sign of collective contribution even in the absence of a dominant striker.
Delap’s Return Could Be the Turning Point
With a difficult run of fixtures ahead, Liam Delap’s return provides a timely lift for the Blues. His energy, movement, and finishing ability could help reignite Chelsea’s attacking rhythm.
The match against Wolves in the Carabao Cup will give Delap the perfect stage to ease back into form and build confidence. For Maresca, the striker’s comeback represents hope, a chance to finally add goals to Chelsea’s hard-working but underperforming attack.
FAQs
Q1. When will Liam Delap return for Chelsea?
A. Liam Delap is set to return in the Carabao Cup match against Wolves after missing 10 games with a hamstring injury.
Q2. Why are Chelsea struggling to score goals this season?
A. Chelsea’s forwards have been inconsistent, and injuries to key players like Cole Palmer have limited attacking options.
Q3. Who are Chelsea’s top scorers this season?
A. Midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are currently Chelsea’s joint top scorers with four goals each.
Q4. How has Joao Pedro performed since joining Chelsea?
A. Joao Pedro started well but has not scored in his last seven matches after a strong opening to the season.
Q5. What did Enzo Maresca say about the team’s attack?
A. Maresca said Chelsea’s front players must share goal-scoring duties, aiming for each attacker to score multiple goals across the season.
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