Liam Delapis set to return from injury sooner than expected,Enzo Marescahas revealed ahead ofChelsea’s clash against Sunderland.
Following their 5-1 thrashing ofAjaxin theChampions League, Chelsea will be looking to continue their winning run in thePremier Leagueon Saturday.
They welcome the Black Cats to Stamford Bridge, with the newly promoted side remarkably level on points with the Blues following a brilliant start to the season.
Maresca will be grateful then that he has no new injury issues to deal with, thoughCole PalmerandBenoit Badiashileare still in the treatment room, while Malo Gusto is suspended after being sent off in the 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
And the head coach has more good news for Chelsea fans, revealing that Delap has returned to training sooner than expected following his hamstring injury.
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The Blues beat Manchester United to the signing of the Ipswich Town striker over the summer and the £30million star had an instant impact, helping his new side win the Club World Cup.
However, the 22-year-old limped off the pitch during the 2-0 win over Fulham in August and was not expected to return to action until mid-November.
But in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Maresca revealed: ‘Liam took part of the session yesterday with the team for the first time.
‘He is not going to be available for tomorrow but probably for the next one.’
After the Sunderland match, Chelsea face Wolves on Wednesday night for their Carabao Cup fourth-round match.
Asked if Delap could be available for the trip to Molineux, Maresca replied: ‘He can be available.’
Delap’s injury prompted Chelsea to recall Marc Guiu from his loan at the Stadium of Light and the teenage striker has made a good impression in the last few games.
He’ll now compete with Delap for a place in the starting XI, with Joao Pedro viewed more and more as a No.10 rather than a striker.
More to follow…
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