Chelsea striker Liam Delap was forced off in the first half of Saturday's Premier League match against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
After playing over an hour in the 5-1 win over West Ham, Delap retained his place in Enzo Maresca's lineup for the West London derby against the Cottagers.
Maresca gave Delap the responsibility of leading the line, while fellow summer addition Joao Pedro took up the number 10 position.
Delap would have been hoping to score his first Premier League goal for the club, but it ultimately proved to be a disappointing afternoon for the striker.
The 22-year-old had to be withdrawn inside the opening 15 minutes after suffering an apparent hamstring injury in the lunchtime kickoff.
Chelsea's Liam Delap holds his hamstring after sustaining an injury on August 30, 2025
Delap suffers hamstring injury
Delap pulled up after chasing after a long ball and was seen holding his right hamstring before he went to ground for medical attention.
The £30m addition from Ipswich Town was unable to continue and was subsequently replaced by 19-year-old attacker Tyrique George.
The former Manchester City forward went straight down the tunnel for further evaluation rather than take his place on the bench.
Maresca now faces an anxious wait to learn the extent of Delap's injury and how long it will take him to return to action.
Chelsea winger Tyrique George in February 2025.
How could Delap's injury impact Chelsea's departures?
Delap's injury leaves Chelsea light on forward options following Christopher Nkunku's permanent transfer to AC Milan.
Nicolas Jackson is also set to leave the club after Chelsea reached an agreement with Bayern Munich over a loan exit.
George has also been linked with a move away, with **Roma keen to sign the Chelsea youngster**before the summer transfer deadline.
The 19-year-old primarily plays as a winger, but he can operate as a centre-forward when required, so it remains to be seen whether Delap's injury could persuade Chelsea to block the teenager's potential exit.
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