Liam Delap has faced challenges in his return to Chelsea’s first team after recovering from a two-month hamstring injury. He made his comeback as a substitute in the EFL Cup against Wolves. However, his return was short-lived, as he received a red card after just 26 minutes for two bookable offences.
Coach Enzo Maresca expressed frustration over Delap’s dismissal, believing it jeopardized their chances of securing a win. As a result, Delap missed the Premier League match against Tottenham. Although he was available for the Champions League game against Qarabag, he did not start and only contributed in the second half, helping Chelsea earn a point.
Troy Deeney’s Insight on Enzo Maresca’s Message to Liam Delap
Troy Deeney, a notable figure in football, weighed in on Maresca’s handling of Delap. He suggested that the coach’s decision was intentional. Deeney noted that Maresca aimed to remind Delap that he must work hard to regain his spot in the squad. “You’re at the bottom of the rung now, you’ve got to work at it and earn it back,” Deeney remarked.
Delap’s Record and Potential for Recovery
Despite his poor disciplinary record, many believe that Delap should feature prominently in upcoming matches. In his absence, Joao Pedro has primarily led Chelsea’s attack, but fans feel he has underperformed in this role. With Cole Palmer also sidelined, Delap could be the right fit to return as a central figure in the team.
- Upcoming Match: Chelsea vs. Wolves
- Current Status of Wolves: Winless this season and without a permanent manager
The upcoming fixture presents an opportunity for Delap to potentially score his first Premier League goal for Chelsea. Despite recent troubles, fans and pundits alike are optimistic about his contributions moving forward.
