Chelsea dealt massive blow as Delap ruled out for eight weeks with hamstring injury | OneFootball

Chelsea have been dealt another huge blow after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Liam Delap could face up to eight weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old striker was forced off just 14 minutes into the Blues’ 2-0 win over Fulham, leaving the club in an increasingly precarious position in attack.

Delap’s setback comes at a difficult time for Chelsea. The Blues recently sanctioned the sale of Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan and agreed a deal to loan Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich.

That leaves Joao Pedro as the only striker on Maresca’s roster who is fit and available.

Delap has been hoping to prove he has what it takes to lead the line and establish himself under Maresca, especially after Pedro’s blistering start to his Chelsea career.

However, he pulled up after a sprint and was immediately replaced by academy graduate Tyrique George.

Ironically, George himself could be on the move before the transfer window closes on Monday evening, with AS Roma closing in on a permanent deal.

Speaking after the game, Maresca admitted that things aren’t looking good for Delap. He said that “this type of injury” can mean “six to eight weeks” out of action.

During his post-match press conference, he said (via The Standard): “Liam’s injury doesn’t look good in terms of, he was full speed, hamstring, so that requires, like always, weeks.

“And then in terms of another striker, to be honest, we just finished the game from the changing room and came here for the press conference.

“So now after, when we finish, we’re going to sit and we’ll see if we take any decision. That’s all.”

Delap’s injury forced Chelsea to spring into action. Reports claim the Blues have now informed Bayern that they would not be going ahead with the loan deal for Jackson.

The striker is already in Germany to undergo medicals, but has been instructed to return to England.