Chelsea striker Liam Delap could miss action until December after injuring his hamstring against Fulham.
Delap left the pitch just 14 minutes into the 2-0 win, with manager Enzo Maresca confirming a 10–12 week absence.
The club hopes the 22-year-old returns in November, boosting their squad for the busy festive period.
Delap avoided surgery and has started all three games for Chelsea this season after joining from Ipswich for £30m in June.
Chelsea Adjusts Striking Options
Chelsea recalled striker Marc Guiu from Sunderland the day after Delap’s injury to provide cover.
Nicolas Jackson departed for Bayern Munich for £70.5m the following day, increasing urgency for alternatives.
Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton this summer, is expected to lead the line under Maresca.
“For us, the only number nine is Marc Guiu, and Joao Pedro can play there,” Maresca said.
Ty George filled in against Fulham, while Delap had led Ipswich last season with 12 Premier League goals in 37 appearances.
Palmer Targets Return
Forward Cole Palmer aims to play when Chelsea face Brentford Saturday at 20:00 BST.
Palmer missed wins over West Ham and Fulham with a groin injury but joined training partially this week.
“We will test him in the final session today,” Maresca said. “We need to manage him due to the schedule.”
Palmer, 23, scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions last season.
Off-Field Challenges
Chelsea began the 2025-26 season strongly, earning seven points from three games, but faced disappointing news off the field.
The FA charged the club with 74 alleged rule breaches involving agent payments from 2009–2022.
“These concerns pre-date my arrival,” Maresca said. “I focus on the pitch. The rest is not in my hands.”
Sanctions could include fines, transfer embargoes, or points deductions, but the club expects cooperation to minimize sporting penalties.
