Chelsea faces a double blow after a costly draw

Chelsea is still grappling with a manpower crisis after their young forward was confirmed to be out for six to eight weeks because of a severe injury.

This is a significant setback to Coach Enzo Maresca’s personnel plans during a crucial phase of the season, as The Blues aim to compete among the top teams.

In the recent 0-0 draw against Bournemouth last weekend, Delap suffered an injury following a heavy collision. After examination, doctors diagnosed the 22-year-old striker with a dislocated shoulder requiring a lengthy recovery period. Notably, this is not Delap’s first time sidelined since joining Stamford Bridge. Previously, he was out for two months due to a hamstring injury and only returned at the end of October.

After the match, Coach Maresca expressed his concern. He stated that Delap has been extremely unlucky with successive injuries and admitted that Chelsea faces difficulties lacking a true number 9 striker. Delap’s absence complicates the attacking situation, especially as the team is currently unstable and trails Arsenal by eight points in the standings.

Although Delap has yet to score in the Premier League for Chelsea, he made an impression with a goal against Barcelona in the Champions League last November. His promising form and youth were key reasons Chelsea spent £30 million to sign him in the summer, outbidding Manchester United and Newcastle. At that time, Delap’s release clause at Ipswich enabled The Blues to complete the deal quickly.

This transfer also resulted in Chelsea loaning striker Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich. Notably, when Delap suffered a hamstring injury late in the summer transfer window, Chelsea wanted to keep Jackson as backup, but the Senegalese player refused to return. Ultimately, the club had to accept the risk and is now paying the price with a severely depleted attack.

Delap’s absence until nearly the end of the January transfer window means Chelsea will likely have to re-enter the market to strengthen the squad, especially by acquiring a quality center forward. With the top-four race very tight, lacking sufficient attacking options could put The Blues at a significant disadvantage.

The burden of scoring will now fall on the remaining attacking players, while Coach Maresca must manage rotations carefully to maintain stable performance. Delap’s injury is not only a personal setback but also a complex problem for Chelsea moving forward.

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Maresca admits Chelsea ‘has major problems’ after disappointing draw Coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged that Liam Delap might have to remain sidelined after the Chelsea striker left the field in the 32nd minute of the 0-0 draw against Bournemouth due to a shoulder injury. See more