Chelsea are currently in the middle of the biggest break in action they are going to have for months ahead of their clash with Aston Villa.
Enzo Maresca’s Blues will take on the Premier League’s third placed side in the first game after Christmas, looking to build on their second-half fightback against Newcastle United.
The lack of break in recent weeks has seen injury problems begin to catch up with Chelsea, even if they have been able to welcome Cole Palmer back into the fray recently.
Chelsea’s injury list ahead of Aston Villa
Estevao Willian celebrates scoring for Chelsea vs Barcelona
Would you start either of Estevao or Delap against Villa? Or can a better attack be formed…?
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The Blues have been missing summer signing Liam Delap for the majority of the season. His hamstring injury in August was added to by a shoulder problem suffered earlier this month.
Chelsea Training and Press Conference
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Delap returns to Chelsea training
Initially, there were fears that he could be about for a while, however the striker could be back in the matchday squad as soon as December 27.
Delap posted on his Instagram story pictures of him back in first team training, putting an end to that speculation for now.
Reports had stated that Chelsea were holding talks over signing a striker in January after the Englishman’s latest injury, but it looks as if they can rest on that for now.
The Blues already have Emanuel Emegha coming in next summer, and another big-name signing cannot be ruled out as ever.
An injured Liam Delap of Chelsea holds his shoulder as he speak with Reece James
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Chelsea having doubts over Delap
Even though he has not been fit all season, there will still be unhappiness that Delap is yet to score in the Premier League.
RANK: Chelsea’s striker options
Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George
Pedro Neto of Chelsea FC (R) celebrates with his teammate Liam Delap (L)
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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This has resulted in Chelsea having internal doubts over Delap, and whether he has been good enough to lead the line at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro has been up front in Delap’s absence, however looks as if he is better suited to playing in the number 10 role.
Palmer’s return is likely to see that position locked off for the foreseeable future though, meaning it is likely to be Pedro and Delap battling for one spot in the starting side.
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