Update: Enzo Maresca confirmed that Chelsea have no new injuries ahead of Sunderland’s visit to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Chelsea Football Newsletter
The striker, a £30million summer signing from Ipswich, has not featured since suffering a hamstring problem during the 2-0 win over Fulham in August.
Delap was ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks, meaning he was not expected back in action for Chelsea until November or potentially even December.
However, Blues boss Enzo Maresca revealed ahead of Wednesday night’s 5-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League that the forward was “very close” to resuming training.
That has now happened, with Delap back out on the grass at Cobham on Thursday as in-form Chelsea prepare for the visit of promoted Sunderland to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this weekend.
While that match will come too soon for his comeback, the 22-year-old is expected to be in contention on Wednesday night when Chelsea travel to face struggling Wolves in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup at Molineux.
“We don't have any new injuries,” Maresca told reporters on Friday. “Liam took part in the session with the team yesterday for the first time.
“He is not going to be available for tomorrow's game but the next one, yes."
More to follow