Liam Delap is ready to return from injury before expected, Enzo Maresca has revealed ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Sunderland.
Following their 5-1 thrashing of Ajax within the Champions League, Chelsea might be trying to proceed their winning run within the Premier League on Saturday.
They welcome the Black Cats to Stamford Bridge, with the newly promoted side remarkably level on points with the Blues following an excellent begin to the season.
Maresca might be grateful then that he has no latest injury issues to cope with, though Cole Palmer and Benoit Badiashile are still within the treatment room, while Malo Gusto is suspended after being sent off within the 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.
And the pinnacle coach has more excellent news for Chelsea fans, revealing that Delap has returned to training before expected following his hamstring injury.
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The Blues beat Manchester United to the signing of the Ipswich Town striker over the summer and the £30million star had an easy impact, helping his latest side win the Club World Cup.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old limped off the pitch through the 2-0 win over Fulham in August and was not expected to return to motion until mid-November.
But in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Maresca revealed: ‘Liam took a part of the session yesterday with the team for the primary time.
‘He will not be going to be available for tomorrow but probably for the subsequent one.’
After the Sunderland match, Chelsea face Wolves on Wednesday night for his or her Carabao Cup fourth-round match.
Asked if Delap might be available for the trip to Molineux, Maresca replied: ‘He might be available.’
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