The exciting news for Chelsea fans is that Liam Delap is about to make his return from injury.
On Wednesday night, the Blues travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, where a place in the quarter-finals is up for grabs.
Liam Delap, 22, hasn’t played since the end of August because of a hamstring injury.
However, Enzo Maresca confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the centre-forward is available to play Wolves. He said via Chelsea’s official website: “Yes, Liam is available for the game. He completed the whole session with us yesterday with no problems and he is available for tomorrow.”
Wolves could be the perfect opponents for Delap as he gets ready to make his comeback. Without a doubt, Maresca’s side have missed his physical presence in attack.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap in a training session at Cobham.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Vitor Pereira praised Liam Delap last season
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira, who’s under extreme pressure right now because his team remain winless in the Premier League this campaign, is currently focused on the midweek cup tie against Chelsea. He knows all about the threat that Blues striker Delap could pose, too.
Last season, Delap scored for Ipswich Town in their 2-1 defeat against Pereira’s Wolves side.
Speaking in April 2025, the Wolves manager explained how much he rates Delap, whose form for Ipswich sealed him a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
When discussing Delap, Pereira said via Ipswich Star: “He’s a strong player. Tomorrow, he will compete. We must be very focused to control him. Physically, he’s strong. Technically, he moves well every time. He’s a very, very good player.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira during a Premier League match against Manchester City.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Don’t pile too much pressure on Liam Delap
Even though we think Delap can bring so much to the Chelsea XI when he’s back fit and firing, it is important to highlight he’s still in the infancy of his senior career.
The English frontman has played just 42 Premier League matches to date, scoring 12 goals.
Micah Richards doubted Delap’s role in Chelsea’s best line-up when he joined the club, but we’re confident he can be a key man because of his profile in attack. The likes of Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer should thrive playing off the target man.
Now that Delap is returning to action, the fans need to be patient while he gets up to full speed.