Chelsea have been handed a timely and much-needed lift in attack, with summer signing Liam Delap set to return after a lengthy injury layoff.
The Blues struggled in their 2-1 Premier League defeat to surprise package Sunderland on Saturday (October 25), with manager Enzo Maresca lamenting a lack of creativity in the final third.
Indeed, Chelsea’s forward’s are struggling at the moment, in part due to the absence of attacking linchpin Cole Palmer, who is currently sidelined with a groin injury.
Blues boosted by Delap’s return
Delap had been out for several weeks with a hamstring problem sustained in Chelsea’s win over Fulham in September.
But the forward has rejoined the squad for Wednesday’s (October 29) EFL Cup tie against Wolves at Molineux Stadium.
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Maresca confirmed that the 22-year-old will be gradually reintegrated, with an eye on not aggravating the injury once again.
His return is crucial for a Chelsea side under scrutiny for inconsistency, with mixed Premier League results leaving them with slim hopes of contesting the title this season.
The England Under-21 international joined the Blues from Ipswich Town for £30 million in the summer, despite interest from Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Everton.
Delap initially started the season below £55 million summer arrival Joao Pedro in the attacking pecking order after the Brazilian impressed in Chelsea’s triumphant Club World Cup run.
However, with Joao Pedro now enduring a seven-match goal drought, Maresca will be pleased to welcome back Delap, who offers a different attacking profile.
With Delap’s return, Chelsea gain an important injection of attacking options as they look to navigate a congested schedule and regain momentum across domestic and cup competitions.
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