By OkayGoal 
Chelsea have been handed a positive update on Liam Delap’s recovery, with the striker expected to return to training by the end of October. According to an exclusive report from Simon Phillips, Liam Delap is progressing ahead of schedule following the hamstring injury he sustained against Fulham in just the third match of the season.
The 20-year-old was forced off after just 14 minutes at Craven Cottage, disrupting what had been a promising start to his debut campaign. Now, encouraging signs suggest he could rejoin full team training within weeks and feature in matchday squads before the end of the year.
Liam Delap return offers relief amid attacking reshuffle
Delap’s absence has had a ripple effect on Enzo Maresca’s squad. Joao Pedro has been pushed into a central striking role more frequently than planned, reducing the Brazilian’s influence in deeper areas and increasing his workload. Without Delap, Chelsea have lacked a true centre-forward option to rotate in key moments.
Marc Guiu was recalled early from his loan spell at Sunderland as a short-term solution, but the move limited the youngster’s development opportunities. Delap’s return would restore natural balance to the forward line and give Maresca more tactical flexibility during the second half of the campaign.
Recovery progressing ahead of schedule
While setbacks remain possible with any muscular injury, Delap’s rehab has so far gone without complications. Phillips reports that the next phase of his recovery is approaching sooner than initially forecast, raising hopes he can contribute meaningfully before the end of 2025.
Chelsea are managing his return cautiously, given the physical demands of Maresca’s pressing system and Delap’s playing style. But with squad depth already stretched across competitions, having a fit and firing Delap could prove crucial.
Chelsea eye stability as key players return from injury
As Chelsea prepare for a challenging winter schedule, reinforcements like Delap will be key. The club continues to juggle injuries across the squad, with several returning players including Romeo Lavia and Trevoh Chalobah, providing timely boosts.
Should Delap’s progress continue at pace, his reintegration could offer a much-needed lift in the final third. For a team managing both youth development and competitive expectations, his return may arrive at just the right moment.