There’s some bad news for Chelsea supporters. Striker Liam Delap has been ruled out until November after suffering a hamstring injury. But the good news is, no operation required.
Liam Delap Situation:
Delap sustained the injury in Chelsea‘s victory against Fulham. Initially, it was hoped he would miss only 6–8 weeks. Now, the latest is that he will miss 10 weeks. That translates to being absent for as many as 12 games, including gigantic games against Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham.
Chelsea’s Alternatives:
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has adjusted quickly. Chelsea have recalled Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland. Joao Pedro will likely shoulder the strike duties, with young options like Tyrique George stepping in occasionally.
The Chelsea Board was to recall Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson. He was at Munich undergoing medicals for his loan transfer to Bayern. After intense negotiations, his agent, the Bayern CEO, and the Chelsea owner completed the loan transfer. The loan transfer was 16.5 million Euros with an option to buy for 80 million Euros.
Fan Reactions:
The news disappointed fans naturally. On social media, one fan wrote:
“This is bad really bad bro.”
Another added: “We should pray for Joao Pedro to sat fit. Otherwise, we are done.”
Current State:
The injury is at an awkward moment. Chelsea have their hands full with a crowded schedule—Premier League, Champions League, League Cup. Losing Delap upsets their plans and puts pressure on other attackers to deliver.
For Delap personally, it’s a bitter experience. Only months into his £30 million summer transfer from Ipswich, and now he’s out of action.
Author’s Insight:
However, the good news is that surgery is not required. There are no complications. He should be out on the field again in November. Hopefully, he will refresh and ready himself to see out the rest of the season.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
