On deadline day, Nicolas Jackson left for Bayern Munich, while the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix also departed in a huge attacking clear out from manager Enzo Maresca.
However, Delap’s injury against Fulham has left the club short of players up front which meant Maresca had to recall Marc Guiu from Sunderland on loan in what is an awkward situation for the club who are trying to get Delap back as soon as possible.
Now, David Ornstein reports that Delap could return sooner than expected and may be back for Christmas in what is a huge boost for The Blues.
“Liam Delap expected to start training again in Nov + return to play soon after, ahead of festive schedule.
“No surgery for 22yo #CFC striker’s hamstring issue - recovery time approximately 10wks from when injury occurred.”
Chelsea travel to Brentford in their first match after the break, before flying to Germany for a Champions League clash away to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, where they will have to face Jackson in attack.
Chelsea hastily tried to recall Jackson from Germany but Jackson remained adamant that he would stay with the Bundesliga side. Delap’s hamstring injury hands fellow summer signing Joao Pedro an even greater work load as he leads the side until at least November.