Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirms Liam Delap's injury comeback

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed the return date for injured striker Liam Delap, who picked up a hamstring injury in the Blues’ 2-0 victory against Fulham before the September international break.

The Chelsea striker was expected to be sidelined until December, when Maresca subsequently ruled out the 22-year-old for up to 12 weeks -but that projection has taken a dramatic positive turn.

There is a sense of optimism that the English international could return in time to play a part in Chelsea’s home game against Sunderland over the weekend.

However, the Club World Cup champions’ £30 million summer signing from Ipswich has prompted medical staff to suggest a more realistic return date for the young striker in the FA Cup encounter against Wolves.

Speaking to the media, Maresca revealed that: “Liam took part yesterday with the team for the first time,” said Maresca. “He’s not going to be available for tomorrow’s game, but probably for the next one.

“The schedule can change, it depends how they improve or get worse. First time, they said he could be available for October 25. (Next week) He can be available.”

In his absence, Maresca has rotated options at the No. 9 position, utilising fellow signing Joao Pedro and academy graduate Tyrique George in similar roles for Chelsea.

Teenage striker Marc Guiu, who was recalled from Sunderland in the days following Delap’s injury, scored his first goal of the season in Wednesday’s 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax. Maresca said he is only now getting what he expects from the 19-year-old.

“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,” he said. “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, slowly with them. Since we chatted, he’s top, he’s fantastic, he’s working very good.

“Absolutely, he’s ready to start.”