Liam Dellup can make his comeback faster than expected. The 22-year-old striker, who signed from Ipswichtown for £30 million during Chelsea’s summer transfer, won hamstring issues in a 2-0 victory at Fulham for the Blues just before the international break.
Speaking to journalists at Stamford Bridge after the match, Enzo Maresca announced his concerns over the first verdict. The Chelsea manager said:
“And from another striker’s perspective, to be honest, we’ve finished the game from the changing room and got here for a press conference, so now when we’re done, we’ll sit down and see if we’re going to make a decision. That’s all.”
After Maresca’s post-match press conference, Chelsea quickly recalled Mark Giu from Sunderland. Thankfully, his set-up is not as severe as I was initially afraid.
According to Athletic, England Under 21 International is expected to re-enter training during November, with no business required. The report claims that Delap could return to competition for a choice before the celebration period.
Chelsea has a limited number of appearances, but he has already gotten his silverware. Delap has contributed to the Blues’ Club World Cup glory over the summer and found the net against Esperance in the group phase.
Speaking to US journalists ahead of the tournament, Maresca praised the English player. The Chelsea manager said:
“In the season we were together, we won the under-21 competition for the first time in Man City, and he scored 24 goals. So the conversation before he got involved was a simple conversation. We liked Liam, Liam liked us.”
“When we faced Ipswich, when Liam wasn’t a Chelsea player, I said he could be the UK number 9.
Discussing the competition for the spots in the starting lineup, Maresca added: “We never tell players that they become their first choice, the message is the same.
“The conversation with Liam was very clear. He knew how we play, so he wanted to be with us. Liam is very aware of how important the number 9 is. Personally, I have no problem with that. Liam is very relaxed and easy.
“He’s been doing well since he arrived and is working well. He’s known each other for years and he knows what he can give us.
“Hopefully, from the perspective of No. 9, he can score our goal.”
Delap continued his preseason shape by scoring twice in a friendly 4-1 victory over AC Milan. However, he was sidelined with a muscle injury, as he appears to be poised to secure a spot in the starting lineup.
