For Chelsea fans hoping to see Liam Delap finally get a full run-out in blue, Saturday’s clash with Fulham brought only disappointment.
What was supposed to be his first 90-minute appearance for the club ended in frustration after barely a quarter of an hour.
Delap’s Short-Lived Start
The 21-year-old striker was handed a starting role up front alongside fellow new signing João Pedro in the early kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
But Delap barely got a chance to make an impact.
After just three touches of the ball, he pulled up clutching his hamstring, forcing an early substitution.
By the 14th minute, his day was done, with teenager Tyrique George sent on to replace him.
Instead of joining his teammates on the bench, Delap headed straight down the tunnel, his frustration clear for everyone to see.
Early Drama on the Pitch
The score was still goalless when Delap left the field, but the action quickly heated up.
Fulham thought they had snatched the lead not long after, with Josh King briefly celebrating what looked like his first Premier League goal.
However, VAR intervened, ruling that Rodrigo Muniz had fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up.
Chelsea then struck just before the break, João Pedro opening his account for the club with a well-timed header on the stroke of half-time.
A Rocky Start to His Chelsea Journey
Saturday’s outing was Delap’s ninth appearance for Chelsea since joining from Ipswich Town for £30 million earlier this summer.
His debut came at the FIFA Club World Cup, where Chelsea beat Los Angeles FC 2-0.
He featured six times throughout the tournament, even making a cameo in the final.
His only goal so far came in a 3-0 group-stage win over ES Tunis.
What Comes Next?
Delap’s early injury will be a concern for Chelsea, who invested heavily in his potential after snapping him up from Ipswich.
With the season still young, Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping scans bring better news than feared, as the squad cannot afford to lose another striker so soon.
The question now is whether Delap faces a spell on the sidelines or if he’ll bounce back quickly to resume his fight for a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
