Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca delivered surprising news on Friday, revealing that striker Liam Delap could make a stunning return from injury ahead of schedule in next week’s League Cup clash against Wolves. The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich in June for a £30 million ($40 million) deal, has been sidelined since August with a hamstring injury, with initial estimates suggesting a return in November or even December. However, Maresca’s latest update has turned that timeline on its head.
“Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time,” Maresca said ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Sunderland on Saturday. “He’s not going to be available for tomorrow’s game but probably for the next one. The schedule can change a little bit—it depends how they improve or get worse. First, they said he could be available for October 25, but today is October 24. [Next week] he can be available.”
Delap’s rapid recovery is a major boost for Chelsea, who have been navigating a crowded forward line in his absence. The young striker has only featured in three Premier League games for the Blues without finding the net, but his imminent return offers Maresca another attacking option as Chelsea push for success on multiple fronts.
In Delap’s absence, Maresca has relied on a mix of new signings and academy talents, including Joao Pedro and Tyrique George. Teenage striker Marc Guiu, recalled from Sunderland following Delap’s injury, also made his mark by scoring his first goal of the season in Chelsea’s dominant 5-1 Champions League victory over Ajax on Wednesday. Maresca, however, revealed that Guiu’s recent improvement came after a candid conversation about his training attitude.
“I had a chat with Marc two weeks ago. I told him that the way he was training I didn’t like, and he needs to change,” Maresca explained. “He changed, and he got a chance [against Ajax]. Easy like that. He was not training well. In all ways. I don’t know [why]. Young players, sometimes you need to go slowly with them. Since we chatted, he’s top, he’s fantastic, he’s working very well. Absolutely, he’s ready to start.”
Chelsea’s attacking depth will be crucial as they balance their Premier League, League Cup, and Champions League campaigns. Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League, the Blues are riding the momentum of two consecutive wins and trail league leaders Arsenal by five points. With Delap potentially back in action and Guiu stepping up, Maresca’s squad is beginning to show the depth and resilience needed to compete at the highest level.
As Chelsea prepare to face Wolves in the League Cup, all eyes will be on whether Delap’s “unreal” recovery timeline translates into a game-changing return for the young striker.