Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been handed a welcome injury boost amid their statement 5-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League.
Chelsea demolish Ajax with Blues back to winning ways
The Blues have now won four straight games in all competitions — a striking turnaround in form right after their dismal 3-1 loss at home to Brighton nearly a month ago.
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Their dominant performance against 10-man Ajax showcased a side that has regained confidence, cohesion and attacking firepower — silencing doubts about their ability to compete at the highest level this season.
John Heintinga's visitors, who went into the game off the back of a terrible start to 2025/2026, didn't spark any change in fortune as Chelsea absolutely dominated proceedings with the one-man advantage.
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Immediately after Kenneth Taylor was sent off, goals from Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estevao and Tyrique George sealed all three points before 50 minutes were even on the clock, with former Burnley striker Wout Weghorst bagging a meek consolation for the Dutch side who went back to the Netherlands empty-handed.
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax - Players of the Match Match Rating
Jamie Gittens 8.5
Estevao 8.3
Wesley Fofana 7.8
Enzo Fernández 7.6
Marc Guiu 7.5
via WhoScored
From the off, Chelsea played with renewed energy and purpose.
Their attacking players combined excellently, creating numerous scoring opportunities, and Chelsea’s ability to break down Ajax’s defense repeatedly was a testament to their improved movement off the ball and sharper decision-making in the final third.
Chelsea also became the first team to have three teenagers score in a Champions League game, leaving Maresca absolutely thrilled.
"Very proud. It's a special night for the club, for the young players," Maresca said.
"I think Guiu already scored for Chelsea five or six goals last year in the Conference [League]. Ty already scored also in the Premier League. Estevao, exactly the same. I think overall it was a great night, especially for these young players and for the club."
With the west Londoners' forward flair on full display, having now scored eight goals in their last two games, Chelsea are proving they can still be just as effective minus the likes of Cole Palmer and Liam Delap.
Chelsea's Liam Delap reacts after sustaining an injury
Chelsea's Liam Delap reacts after sustaining an injury
Palmer is set to remain out until December with a groin injury that has plagued him so far this term, while reports suggested that Delap could be back in action for Chelsea just prior to the end of 2025.
Enzo Maresca shares big Liam Delap injury update out of Chelsea
While Maresca has found a way to cope without both men for the time being, Chelsea are anxiously waiting for both forwards to be ready for selection again.
Delap, who signed from Ipswich Town in the summer for around £30 million, was brought in to spearhead the side as their number nine target man.
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After the former Man City gem's hamstring injury, Maresca was forced to cut short Guiu's loan at Sunderland to fill the void, but according to Chelsea's boss, Delap is now "very close" to returning to full training.
"Liam is very close," Maresca explained, prior to their win over Ajax.
"He’s not working with us yet – he’s still out – but hopefully in the next days he can begin taking part in the sessions with us."
This is a major boost for Londoners, but Delap will take some time to get back up to speed as he looks to eventually play a key role in Chelsea's top four challenge and hunt for silverware.
The 22-year-old bagged double figures for a side who were eventually relegated last season, which is very impressive in itself given the lack of quality around him, so just imagine what he could do in this Chelsea side lavished with exciting young attackers.
His imminent return is timely with the 2026 World Cup looming, and Delap will have one eye on battling his way into Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad.