After dismantling Ajax in midweek, Chelsea return to Premier League action with a home fixture against Sunderland. And Enzo Maresca has provided a positive injury update on Liam Delap ahead of the Stamford Bridge clash.
The Blues manager confirmed in his pre-match press conference that there are no fresh concerns coming out of the Champions League win, and that every player involved against Ajax has come through unscathed. The 5-1 victory was a timely boost and keeps Chelsea riding high in Europe but all focus now turns to securing consistency in the league.
Maresca provides latest Liam Delap injury update
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There was also good news on Liam Delap. The 21-year-old striker, who has been sidelined since August with a hamstring issue sustained in the win over Fulham, is now back in full training with the squad. While tomorrow’s game comes too soon for a return, Maresca revealed Delap could be in contention for the cup fixture next week.
“We don’t have any new injuries for the game this weekend,” said Maresca. “Liam is doing well. He took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time. He isn’t going to be available for tomorrow’s game, but maybe for the next ones.”
The Chelsea boss hinted that initial projections had hoped Delap would return by October 25, but a slight adjustment in recovery timeline now puts him closer to the cup game after this weekend. It’s a minor delay, but the fact that Delap is already training again bodes well for his reintegration into the squad.
Sunderland arrive at Stamford Bridge in good form, riding the momentum of their promotion and early season performances. But with Chelsea flying high and now close to full fitness, Maresca’s side will fancy themselves to keep the positive run going.
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