Before Saturday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca gave the team some big news. It has been confirmed that Estevao Willian and Liam Delap are both available for the important game between the teams in fourth and third place.
Maresca said both players are now healthy and ready to play after missing several games due to injury. Chelsea will face a Villa team that is performing well and aim to remain in the top four. The Blues have been missing both players recently: Estevao has been out with a minor muscle injury, and Delap had to leave the goalless draw against Bournemouth due to a shoulder problem.
Maresca told reporters:
“He’s (Estevao) back. He’s back; he’s available for Saturday, him and also Liam Delap.”
The Brazilian winger’s return comes at a good time for Chelsea’s attacking options. Estevao joined the Blues after turning 18 in the summer of 2025 and has performed well in his first season in English football. The forward scored a late winner against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, showing that he can stay calm under pressure.
Delap’s availability also increases the depth of Maresca’s front line. In the summer, the striker moved from Ipswich Town for £30 million after scoring 12 goals in the Premier League during the 2024–25 season. His size and scoring ability give Chelsea another attacking option, which is especially helpful against a well-drilled Villa defense.
Aston Villa Come in with a 10-Game Winning Streak
The Blues will have a tough time against their opponents on Saturday. Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 on Sunday at Villa Park, making it 10 wins in a row in all competitions. Morgan Rogers scored two goals in that win, making him the first Villa player to score at least twice in two straight Premier League games since Dion Dublin in 1998.
Under Unai Emery, Villa have beaten Chelsea three times in five Premier League games. This suggests that the Spaniard has figured out how to beat the Blues.
Chelsea have not lost any of their three Premier League games this season against teams that were ahead of them in the table at the start of the day. They beat Liverpool and Tottenham and drew with Arsenal, which gives Maresca’s men some hope.
Chelsea will hope that their returning stars Estevao and Delap can help stop Villa’s impressive run and secure three important points at Stamford Bridge.