Delap Makes Comeback as Chelsea Seek to Fix Forward Concerns
Striker Liam Delap is recovering from a thigh problem at a important period for Chelsea.
The West London club lost 2-1 against shock contenders Sunderland at their home ground on Saturday, with boss Enzo Maresca attributing "a lack of creativity" and his squad's passes being "subpar".
Chelsea's forwards are having difficulty finding the net and assists as Delap returns in the League Cup against bottom-half Wolves on Wednesday (19:45 GMT), having been absent for 10 matches since sustaining the injury in the success over Fulham in August.
Maresca said the young striker will be gradually introduced "gradually", and the new recruit's availability is vital for a team facing scrutiny over their inconsistency, which has left the domestic cups their primary hope of claiming silverware this term.
Delap to Take Pressure Off Joao Pedro
Chelsea signed Delap from the Championship side for thirty million pounds despite interest from the Red Devils, Newcastle United and Everton.
Yet the England Under-21s forward was below £55m signing Joao Pedro in the team ranking at this global competition - and with valid cause.
Joao Pedro found the net three times in three outings as Chelsea secured the maiden title in the America. The Brazilian forward scored another two and three setups in his first four Premier League games after arriving from Brighton.
More lately, however, Joao Pedro has failed to score in his past seven matches. Maresca stated he is one of three players - along with midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo - who currently need to be "protected".
When asked about Joao Pedro's dip in form, Maresca commented: "For sure the fitness aspect is crucial. When you are not 100% it's hard to perform, especially in this league."
"Joao Pedro is not a classic center-forward that is going to reach twenty strikes every season. Joao's a superb talent, he's going to get goals and provide assists but he's a distinctive forward to ones that score 20 to 25 goals each year like the Bayern legend, [Kylian] Mbappe or [Erling] Haaland."
Wider Problems in Chelsea's Attack
Chelsea confront additional challenges apart from their strikers and Joao Pedro's drought.
Attacker Cole Palmer has played two full matches all term and is not anticipated to feature from a groin injury until the winter.
Winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, acquired from Borussia Dortmund for a £52m package, has failed to score and one goal contribution in 10 matches. Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m recruit from Manchester United, has one goal in seven outings and caused an own goal against Benfica.
Estevao Willian, 18, has entertained since moving from Palmeiras for a potential £51 million deal, but has just two strikes and one assist - equaling youth product Tyrique George.
Striker Marc Guiu and Brighton loanee Facundo Buonanotte have a single strike apiece.
Marc Cucurella, who got seven from defensive position last term, is without a goal this campaign. Attacking player Pedro Neto has one score and two assists in his previous two fixtures, but before that got only one goal in the first 10 games.
After thirteen games in all competitions no striker has above two scores, with midfielders Fernandez and Caicedo Chelsea's equal leading marksmen with four goals.
Questioned whether a lack of natural goalscorers means goals must come from multiple sources, Maresca stated: "Absolutely, yes. We frequently mentioned that the quintet of attackers at the attack, we need numerous strikes from each, in the manner we achieved last season."
Maresca has found ways to challenge despite attacking inconsistency. Chelsea are second place for dead-ball situations in the English top division, trailing by one Arsenal. In addition, the Blues are the pioneering side to have ten distinct net-finders in the first division this term.
Is the Number Nine Hoodoo About to Lift?
Some Chelsea supporters feel the striker's jersey - claimed by Delap in the transfer window - is cursed. It had been vacant since last year, and squad members who donned it since 2006 have struggled for goals, including:
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2022-23) - a trio of scores in twenty-one matches
- Romelu Lukaku (2021-22) - fifteen strikes in 58 games
- Tammy Abraham (2019-20, 2021-22) - 30 scores in 82 appearances
- Gonzalo Higuain (2018-19) - five strikes in 19 games
- Alvaro Morata (2017-18) - twenty-four strikes in 72 games
- Radamel Falcao (2015-16) - one goal in twelve matches
- Fernando Torres (2010-11, 2014-15): forty-five strikes in 172 appearances
- Franco di Santo (2008-10) - zero strikes in 16 appearances
- Steve Sidwell (2007-08) - one score in 25 appearances
- Khalid Boulahrouz (2006-07) - zero strikes in 20 appearances
A engine room operator and backline player are part of this selection, and some would contend Abraham ended the jinx with his record, while legendary strikers such as Peter Osgood and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink thrived with nine on their back.
But Delap was unmoved when asked about the hoodoo. "I'm not one [who believes in curses]," he said at the international tournament.
"In the final analysis it's a figure on the jersey of your uniform. It's just a figure that has historically been connected to attackers so it's something that I enjoy and there's no added burden."
