Chelsea get injury update that changes everything for January

Tom Weber

• 9 Dec 2025 13:31 CST
• 3 min read

News

Chelsea will not have to add attacking reinforcements in January as Liam Delap's shoulder injury is not as serious as first feared, according to a report.

The 22-year-old suffered what appeared to be his second serious injury since joining the Blues when he went down clutching his shoulder in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Bournemouth.

Initial fears were that Delap had suffered a dislocated or fractured shoulder, with reports suggesting that the striker could be out for up to two months. Enzo Maresca described the problem as "quite bad," only increasing concerns.

However, The Telegraph now reports that the injury is nowhere near as serious as initially suspected. Although Delap is expected to be in significant pain for the rest of the week, he could be back in action before the turn of the year.

It is believed that Delap will be out for a maximum of four weeks and that there is a good chance of him returning sooner, depending on the recovery process.

Chelsea won't have to sign a new attacker

Although Delap has so far proved a disappointing signing, this news will be a big boost to Enzo Maresca, who does not have a wealth of striker options at his disposal.

During Delap's first serious injury, a hamstring problem that kept him out for two months, Maresca admitted that Joao Pedro is not a reliable source of goals. He has also been reluctant to give Marc Guiu regular minutes.

The initial worries over Delap's latest setback gave rise to suggestions that Chelsea could bring forward Emmanuel Emegha's summer move from Strasbourg or that they could sign a new attacker in January.

However, with Delap potentially back in action before the January window even comes around, this is unlikely to be necessary. Nevertheless, concerns over Chelsea's lack of a prolific goalscorer will remain, unless Delap can prove his doubters wrong upon his return.

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