Enzo Maresca has said Liam Delap could be out for "weeks" after the Chelsea striker limped off in the win against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old was making his first competitive start for the Blues in SW6 but his game lasted just 15 minutes. Delap was chasing a ball down the left-hand side and pulled up clutching his hamstring, before going to the ground and eventually being replaced by Tyrique George.
Chelsea were able to cope without Delap, with the Blues scoring either side of half-time to ensure a 2-0 win over their west London neighbours. Joao Pedro opened the scoring for the hosts before Enzo Fernandez's penalty doubled the advantage in the second period.
Plenty of positives to come out of the game for Maresca, but there is undoubtedly a concern surrounding Delap. Speaking after the match, Maresca said: "Injury doesn't look good. He was full speed, hamstring, so that requires weeks. I've just come here for the press conference, we will see if we take any decision."
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Asked if Chelsea could now dip into the transfer market to sign another striker, the Italian said: "When you have two strikers, it is enough. When one of them is injured for weeks, it is probably not enough."
Delap's injury comes on the same day Chelsea confirmed the sale of Christopher Nkunku, with AC Milan securing the Frenchman's signature. Nkunku signed a five-year contract at the San Siro after the two clubs reached an agreement understood to be worth €35million (£30.2million), plus a further €5million (£4.3million) in add-ons.
Nicolas Jackson's loan move to Bayern Munich was also agreed on Saturday, with the 24-year-old striker set to sign for the German champions on an initial season-long loan deal, with the Munich-based club having the option to make it permanent next summer.
football.london understands Bayern will pay the Blues a whopping €15million (£12.97million) for the loan fee and the Bundesliga side have an option to take Jackson on a permanent basis for a further €65million (£56.2million). Chelsea also negotiated a sell-on clause should that be the case.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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