Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Liam Delap will be able to play some part in the Carabao Cup tie against Wolves.
The striker has not played for two months after sustaining a serious hamstring injury against Fulham, but he should be on the bench at Molineux. Fans on X agree that Delap’s return has come at an ideal time:
That huge news, Delap being back is a boost.
— AUSTIN HONEY (@AUSTINHONEY88) October 28, 2025
Great to see him back in action. Excited to see what he brings to the game.
— Ivy Rosen (@ivyrosehq) October 28, 2025
WE ARE SAVED
— Daniel CFC (@lxdxfxlx) October 28, 2025
Perfect game to get him up to speed
— Kanτε_ΣΖN 🇦🇺🇬🇷 (@KanteBeStopped7) October 28, 2025
No need to rush him in from the start, he will be a good substitution.
— CONTEXT VIDEOS (@Context2X) October 28, 2025
Let's goo
— Marvel 🏌️🏽♂️ (@marvelsaidit) October 28, 2025
Pedro needs to be rested
Maresca has made it clear that Joao Pedro has been playing despite not being 100% fit. The lack of other options up front has forced the manager to use the Brazilian international more than he would have liked.
Delap’s return does mean that Pedro can be given a breather, although the England Under 21 international’s fitness will also have to be managed, considering how long he has been on the treatment table.
Chelsea now have a different option in attack
Marc Guiu showed against Nottingham Forest how the presence of a true no.9 can have a positive influence on the team’s performance. However, after being handed his first start of the season versus Sunderland, you did see the Spaniard’s limitations.
Despite only being a few years older than Guiu, Delap is a bit more streetwise when leading the line, and his added experience should give the Blues a greater threat up front in upcoming fixtures.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here
