Paul Merson claims that Chelsea striker Liam Delap could be pivotal when Cole Palmer makes his comeback from injury.
Speaking ahead of the Blues’ match against Burnley, Merson said that the £30m summer signing from Ipswich would complement Palmer:
“I would go with Liam Delap as the striker for this game, and I’d stick to that even after Cole Palmer returns from injury. Palmer is someone who needs runners with him; that is why Nicolas Jackson was such a good option for Chelsea.”
“If Joao Pedro plays as [a] striker, he will drop deep, and that will not free up enough space for Palmer to operate. Delap, on the other hand, is a willing runner and a proper number nine who will suit Palmer in my opinion.”
“Only time will tell if Palmer can make it to England’s World Cup squad for next year, though. He will have to come back from injury and hit the ground running straightaway. Palmer needs a run of form like the one he had when he first burst onto the scene at Chelsea.”
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Delap needs to find form and fitness
While Merson is right to point out that the 22-year-old is more of an out-and-out striker than Pedro, he has yet to show that he deserves to start for the Blues on a regular basis.
Delap has only just returned from a major hamstring injury that kept him out for over two months, so he needs to find his match sharpness over the coming days and weeks.
When will Palmer return for Chelsea?
Head coach Enzo Maresca has ruled out the England international for the next three games against Burnley, Barcelona and Arsenal following his toe injury.
That suggests there may be a chance of seeing Palmer back in the matchday squad for the Leeds game at the start of next month, but a lot will depend on how quickly he recovers.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here