Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that striker Liam Delap will be sidelined for at least six weeks following a hamstring injury he sustained in the Blues’ 2-0 victory over Fulham. Delap’s injury, which occurred in the first half, has added to the club's growing concerns over their attacking depth as they look to navigate a challenging period without key players.
The Injury Blow
Delap, who was making his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, pulled up clutching his hamstring midway through the first half. The injury is a significant blow for Chelsea, especially given the club’s already limited options in attack. Maresca confirmed that the English striker is expected to be out for a period of six to eight weeks due to the nature of the injury.
"Liam's injury doesn’t look good,” Maresca told TNT Sports after the match. “He was full speed, and it’s a hamstring. It requires weeks of recovery, so he will be out for at least six to eight weeks."
A Difficult Situation for Maresca
With the loss of Delap, Maresca has been forced to consider alternative solutions in the short term. The Italian manager acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly with only one fully fit striker at his disposal in Joao Pedro.
“Two strikers are enough, but when one is out, it’s not,” Maresca explained. “We tried to use a different solution with George, but of course, it’s a difficult situation.”
While Maresca was pragmatic about the situation, his comments highlight the depth issues Chelsea currently face. The club's limited attacking options in the short term may require Maresca to adjust his tactics or promote players from other positions to fill the void left by Delap’s injury.
Controversial VAR Decisions in Chelsea’s Win
Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham was not without controversy, as two key VAR decisions were at the forefront of post-match discussions. Fulham manager Marco Silva had strongly criticized the interventions, calling the decisions “unbelievable.” However, Maresca disagreed with Silva’s assessment, backing the officials' calls.
In his post-match comments, Maresca reviewed both VAR decisions, stating that he felt the first decision—where Fulham’s goal was disallowed—was clear-cut. “He [Rodrigo Muniz] kicked our player, and it’s quite clear,” Maresca said. “The second one was a handball, and I understand from their point of view it’s not a foul, but I think it’s quite clear.”
Maresca's stance shows a different perspective on the controversial decisions, offering a more defensive view of the officiating. He seemed confident in the accuracy of the VAR calls, even if Silva and Fulham's fans disagreed.
Looking Ahead: Chelsea's Striking Dilemma
With Delap out for several weeks, Maresca’s immediate priority will be to find a solution to Chelsea’s attacking crisis. While the club has still got Joao Pedro, who has impressed since his arrival, the manager may need to explore additional options, potentially relying on Tyrique George or even experimenting with different tactical setups. The club’s growing injury list could also mean more opportunities for youth players, with Cole Palmer’s injury adding to the unpredictability of Chelsea’s squad.
As the Blues navigate through this difficult period, the pressure is on Maresca to deliver results despite his depleted squad. With Delap’s absence confirmed for at least six weeks, Chelsea's attacking options are set to be stretched, but Maresca remains hopeful that his side can adapt.
Despite the setback, Chelsea fans will be hoping that Maresca can find solutions and that the team can continue to perform while Delap is out. As always in football, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining how Chelsea handles this latest blow to their already stretched resources.
