Chelsea’s start to the season has hit a major bump, with two key players sidelined and the club forced to adjust plans just as the Premier League schedule intensifies.
Striker Liam Delap and summer signing Dario Essugo are both facing extended periods on the sidelines, leaving manager Enzo Maresca to rethink his attacking options.
Liam Delap Set for Lengthy Layoff
Delap, 22, who joined Chelsea for £30 million from Ipswich Town in June, was forced off early in the first half of the 2-0 win over Fulham before the international break.
He pulled up chasing a through ball, and initial reports suggested a six-to-eight week absence.
However, further medical assessments revealed a more serious hamstring injury, pushing his expected return back to November, according to The Athletic.
That timeline means Delap is likely to miss at least 12 matches across the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup, including high-profile clashes against Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and European fixtures against Bayern Munich, Benfica, and Ajax.
While November 8 against Wolves is the earliest potential return date, a more cautious target could be the trip to Burnley after the international break.
Squad Shuffles and Transfer Adjustments
Delap’s injury forced Chelsea to revisit their transfer plans.
Nicolas Jackson’s proposed loan move to Bayern Munich was briefly paused before finally going ahead, as the club recalled Marc Guiu from Sunderland after just a month into his season-long loan.
Joao Pedro, the £60 million signing from Brighton, is expected to step up in Delap’s absence, having already impressed in a deeper attacking role. The Blues will rely heavily on him as the fixture list becomes more congested.
Dario Essugo Undergoes Thigh Surgery
Adding to Chelsea’s woes, 20-year-old midfielder Dario Essugo required thigh surgery after picking up an injury while on international duty with Portugal’s Under-21s. Essugo shared an update from his hospital bed, expressing frustration but remaining positive:
“It’s frustrating to start the season like this, especially after already facing another setback not long ago.
But I truly believe everything happens for a reason. God has a bigger plan. I’ll be back stronger.”
Signed from Sporting for £18.5 million over the summer, Essugo had been pushing for first-team minutes under Maresca.
His absence now adds another challenge as Chelsea approach a demanding stretch of fixtures.
Chelsea Look to Cope Without Key Players
The Blues return to action this weekend against Brentford and will have to navigate their upcoming matches without Delap and Essugo.
Maresca faces the difficult task of reorganizing his squad to maintain momentum while balancing domestic and European commitments during this critical early-season period.