Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that forward Liam Delap will be sidelined for 10-12 weeks due to a hamstring injury, requiring a lengthy recovery period .
The 22-year-old suffered the setback in the 14th minute of Chelsea's Premier League Matchday 3 clash against Fulham on August 30, forcing him to leave the pitch early . This injury prompted the Blues to urgently recall on-loan youngster Marc Guiu from Sunderland to bolster their attacking options .
Delap, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in June, had started two of the club's first three league fixtures under Maresca before the injury halted his progress . Medical assessments confirmed no surgery is required, with the striker expected to resume full training in November .
Maresca revealed the update during his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's away trip to Brentford, where Chelsea will aim to bounce back from their recent setbacks . The manager acknowledged the impact of Delap's absence but expressed confidence in Guiu and João Pedro to fill the void upfront .
With Delap sidelined for at least 11 matches, including crucial Champions League fixtures, Chelsea's attacking depth will be tested. However, the club remains optimistic about his recovery timeline, which aligns with the demanding winter fixture schedule .
