Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham came at a cost, with Liam Delap pulling up in the 12th minute with an apparent hamstring injury. Delap had started the last two games at striker, with Enzo Maresca deploying João Pedro in a supporting role in the absence of Cole Palmer.
Palmer shouldn’t be out for too long, but even once he returns we would have just one recognized center forward in JP, as the initial prognosis on Delap isn’t too great. Maresca expects at least a 6-8 week absence for him, though we know all too well how hamstring injuries can linger for much longer than that.
In light of this development, Chelsea are apparently trying to put the brakes on the Nicolas Jackson loan deal with Bayern Munich that was agreed just hours before. But the wheels are already well in motion there, with Jackson already in Munich this morning, all smiles and ready to sign.
This could go in any direction at this point. Not sure there is an ideal solution that would suit everyone involved, but hopefully Jackson can still return and then be a motivated and productive member of the squad (at least until January).