Chelsea striker Liam Delap is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder during the goalless draw with Bournemouth. The 22-year-old was forced off in visible pain following a challenge with Cherries defender Marcos Senesi and was seen wearing a sling as he left the field.
According to reports, Delap is expected to be out for between six and eight weeks, potentially keeping him out until February. This marks another significant setback for the £30million summer signing from Ipswich Town, who had only recently returned from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for two months.
The England Under-21 international had shown signs of form, scoring the decisive third goal in Chelsea's 3-0 Champions League victory over Barcelona. However, his season has been disrupted by injuries, competition for places, and disciplinary issues, including a red card in the Carabao Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed concern after the match, 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.' Delap has made only eight Premier League appearances this season and faces competition from fellow summer arrival Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto, who has been deployed as a striker.
