Ornstein drops Chelsea BOMB as Maresca handed major update

Chelsea striker Liam Delap is set to be sidelined until November after suffering a hamstring injury against Fulham on 30 August.

The 22-year-old, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town in June, was forced off in the 14th minute of Chelsea’s victory over Marco Silva’s side before the international break and his injury led to the club recalling Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland on Transfer Deadline Day.

Delap will not require hamstring injury, despite initial fears, however The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that he will not return to first-team training until November.

The Englishman is set to be sidelined for a total of 10 weeks before rejoining his peers in full training. He will then be able to return to competitive action shortly afterwards, with Delap set to miss at least 11 matches through injury.

As a result, Joao Pedro and the aforementioned Guiu are expected to share game time as Chelsea’s number nine, with the former also likely to feature in an attacking midfield role.

Delap has only scored one goal in his first nine appearances for Chelsea, however his injury lay-off will be a major concern for Enzo Maresca as he prepares to take charge of the Blues’ first Champions League campaign since 2022-23.

Chelsea confirm Dario Essugo injury

In addition to Delap, Chelsea are also set to be without fellow summer signing Dario Essugo for several weeks after he suffered an injury while on international duty with Portugal’s U21 side.

“Midfielder Dario Essugo has undergone successful surgery today on his thigh,” Chelsea posted in an official statement on the club’s website.

“The 20-year-old sustained the injury whilst on international duty for Portugal’s Under-21s.

“Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action and Dario will now begin his recovery at Cobham, supported by the club’s medical department.”

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