Chelsea have been dealt an early-season setback, with summer signing Liam Delap sidelined through injury.
The 22-year-old striker arrived at Stamford Bridge in a big-money move over the summer, with high hopes of becoming a key figure under new boss Enzo Maresca. But just as his career in blue was getting started, Delap suffered an untimely blow.
Injury Against Fulham
Delap’s problem came during Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Fulham, only his third appearance of the campaign. The forward was forced off with a muscular injury, leaving fans anxious about the severity of the setback.
This week, Maresca confirmed the bad news in his latest press conference.
“Liam will be out for 10 to 12 weeks,” the Chelsea manager revealed.
Champions League Miss
The timeline means Delap will miss a crucial stretch of fixtures, including Chelsea’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona in late November.
For a player still settling into life at Stamford Bridge, the injury comes as a major frustration – both for Delap himself and the Chelsea faithful eager to see him deliver on his potential.
What Next for Chelsea?
Without Delap, the pressure will fall on the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and Cole Palmer to carry the attacking load.
Maresca, meanwhile, will be hoping Delap’s recovery stays on track, with the striker expected back in contention towards the end of the year.
