Chelsea's young striker Liam Delap may be reconsidering his dismissal of the club's infamous 'No 9 curse' after suffering another serious injury just half an hour into their Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
A Shoulder Setback and Superstitious Talk
The 22-year-old Englishman, who joined from Ipswich Town for £30million in the summer, was forced off in the 32nd minute at the Vitality Stadium after an awkward landing during a corner. He was seen post-match with his right arm in a sling, casting a shadow over his immediate future.
This latest blow compounds a frustrating debut season at Stamford Bridge for Delap, who has managed just two goals in 17 appearances, with neither coming in the league. He had already missed two months earlier in the campaign with a hamstring problem.
Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the severity, stating: "Unfortunately he was already out for two months and he has to be out again. We don't know for how long. But it looks quite bad, his shoulder."
The incident revives talk of a supposed hex on Chelsea's No 9 shirt, worn by high-profile flops like Fernando Torres, Alvaro Morata, and Romelu Lukaku. In June, overlooking Philadelphia from a hotel, Delap laughed off the notion, calling it "only a number." His current misfortune, however, is all too real.
Creative Struggles and Midfield Deficit
Delap's replacement, 19-year-old Marc Guiu, failed to make an impact as Chelsea's 20-game scoring streak in all competitions came to a halt in a dour 0-0 draw. The team's attack lacked sharpness, with Cole Palmer also making a muted return to the starting lineup.
The creative void was particularly evident on the wings. Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho provided little incision, leading to late substitutions that saw youngster Jamie Gittens bizarrely stripped and ready, only to be told to sit back down.
Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth capitalised on Chelsea's midfield fragility, expertly exploiting the absence of the injured Moises Caicedo. Reece James and Enzo Fernandez were unable to establish control, highlighting a key deficiency for the visitors.
Consequences for Chelsea's Campaign
This result, following a 3-1 defeat at Leeds, punctures the early-season optimism that had Chelsea discussed as potential title contenders. Questions now arise about their consistency in the race for a top-four finish.
The striker situation remains a pressing concern. While the club has secured 22-year-old Emmanuel Emegha from sister club Strasbourg for next season, his arrival is not expected in January. The spectre of summer target Victor Osimhen—who scored a spectacular winner for Galatasaray this weekend—looms large in contrast to Delap's plight.
In defence, Tosin Adarabioyo was dropped entirely after a poor performance at Leeds, with Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana now the preferred pairing. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was Chelsea's standout performer, making crucial saves to secure a point.
For Delap and Chelsea, the focus shifts from curses to recoveries, both physical and tactical, as they seek to reignite their stuttering season.
