Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Liam Delap is set for a spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
Delap was substituted in the 32nd minute of Saturday’s goalless draw between Chelsea and Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium and went straight down the tunnel after being brought off.
The £30million summer signing from Ipswich was in visible pain after Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi landed on his shoulder, and the 22-year-old striker was holding his shoulder when he went off.
Delap has already missed 59 days of action this season following a hamstring injury sustained against Fulham in August, and head coach Maresca has now revealed that the Englishman is set for another period on the treatment table.
As well as Marc Guiu, who came on for Delap, Chelsea also have Joao Pedro up front, while Pedro Neto and Tyrique George are able to play as centre-forwards when called upon.
“Unfortunately, he was already out for two months, and he has to be out again,” Maresca said in his post-match press conference following his side’s 0-0 draw on the south coast.
“We don't know for how long, but it looks quite bad, his shoulder. He has been unlucky. He was out for two months already. Now he has to be out again.
“Also we are a bit unlucky because we need that kind of a No9. We tried today with Marc [Guiu]. But, yes, it’s an injury.”
Chelsea were beaten 3-1 by Leeds on Wednesday as talk of them mounting a potential title was brought to an end for now. Maresca was disappointed by his side’s response in the final third against the Cherries.
“I think it was a game where we missed quality in the final third, many mistakes,” he said.
“Some passes in the last third where we can shoot and we didn't. When you are not able to win, it is important we don't lose.
“I think it's something that can happen, the last pass in the last third. Cole [Palmer] was quite good with that, he played half hour the other day and one hour today.”
