Chelsea take on bottom of the table Wolves today, with Blues fans hoping that this is a chance for their attacking players to show what they can do.
One player who won’t get the chance, at least from the start, is Liam Delap. He’s on the bench again. In the late Enzo Maresca, early Rosenior period, Delap briefly earned his place as starting striker. But Joao Pedro has since found form and pushed Delap back to the bench.
Delap’s future starts to be in doubt after league struggles
Liam Delap laments his red card.
Liam Delap laments his red card. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
There is a long way to go until the summer. But as it stands, things aren’t really working out for Delap. He’s not scoring, he’s had injuries, and frankly he’s not looked up to it at times. Most Blues fans would beg to have Nicolas Jackson back – and that includes some who wanted the Senegal star gone.
Graeme Bailey’s piece today for TeamTalk claims that Chelsea would consider offers for Delap, who cost them £30m 6 months ago, in the summer, unless he improves.
“The striker is effectively playing for his Chelsea future,” he writes.
It seems extreme, and we’re sure that a move is very unlikely. But given we bought him at a reasonable price, there’s no doubting that the chance to make even a small profit would certainly be considered if his form doesn’t improve.
There is a long, long way to go – but there’s a reason these rumours have started popping up now.
In other news…
Reece James is not in the squad today, making people a little twitchy about his injury status. He’s not played since last Sunday’s game against West Ham, where he featured as a late sub.
Chelsea’s team for the game has no James, but has some interesting choices in other areas. Andrey Santos looks to have his place locked up.
More Stories about Liam Delap
Liam Rosenior in his press conference.
Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT.
Liam Delap with Liam Rosenior in training.