Chelsea Striker Delap Out Up To Three Months With Hamstring Injury

Chelsea striker Liam Delap is expected to be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained before the international break, according to manager Enzo Maresca. Delap, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich for £30 million in June and played in all three of Chelsea's Premier League matches so far, was forced off early in the 2-0 win against Fulham. To cover for Delap, Chelsea recalled forward Marc Guiu from a loan spell at Sunderland, especially after Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson left the club for Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day. Maresca also mentioned having Joao Pedro and Tyrique George as alternative forward options, although there are doubts about Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, and Andrey Santos' availability due to recent international duty in Brazil's high-altitude match. England forward Cole Palmer is nearing a return after a groin injury, while winger Alejandro Garnacho is still regaining full fitness. Chelsea currently sits second in the Premier League after three games, but Delap's injury leaves the club short of attacking options ahead of the upcoming west London derby at Brentford.