Ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League action, Chelsea fans received some good news from Enzo Maresca.
After almost two months on the sidelines, Liam Delap is almost set to return to training, as Enzo Maresca revealed in Tuesday’s pre-Ajax press conference.
That will be welcome news for Chelsea fans, who have seen very little of their new striker since making the £30 million move from Ipswich.
The return would be slightly earlier than expected, but a welcome one for Maresca, who is yet to figure out his strongest attacking line-up.
Enzo Maresca’s best front four when Liam Delap returns
Unfortunately, there’s no good news regarding Cole Palmer.
Maresca provided an update on Palmer’s ongoing groin issue, confirming his absence for at least another month. Without the Chelsea star pulling the strings, Maresca needs to figure out who to trust in the meantime.
Both new strikers should be in there. Joao Pedro may have dropped off somewhat in recent performances, but he was at his best when the duties of leading the line didn’t fall on him.
Delap can assume that responsibility and get a run of games to find the form he showed at a struggling Ipswich last season.
Less obvious choices out wide for Enzo Maresca
Those two should have the central areas locked down, but the decision to be made on the flanks is less straightforward.
As early as it is in his Chelsea career, Estevao Willian has shown he is ready to contribute at a high level. Maresca has complimented the Brazilian’s maturity and it does feel like he’s destined to make that right-wing spot his own.
On the left then, it’s between Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and our choice, Pedro Neto.
Pedro Neto, Estevao and Liam Delap of Chelsea line up
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The two new signings haven’t shown enough to make a case for a starting berth, and while Neto looks more at home on the right, his impressive form of late shouldn’t be wasted.
Missing Palmer for such an extended period is a huge loss for Chelsea, but the recruitment they carried out in the summer will lessen the blow. If those four can develop an understanding, they should be able to reach the levels Maresca needs from his front line.