Overview
- Delap was forced off after 14 minutes against Fulham on August 30, and Maresca says the striker is unlikely to return before December.
- Reports indicate Delap does not require surgery, but his absence coincides with a crowded autumn run including Champions League ties.
- With Nicolas Jackson sold to Bayern Munich, Maresca named Marc Guiu as his only out‑and‑out No 9 and noted Joao Pedro can play centrally, with Tyrique George used there versus Fulham.
- Cole Palmer completed part of Thursday’s training session and faces a late fitness call for the trip to Brentford.
- Separately, the FA has charged Chelsea with 74 alleged breaches related to historic agent payments between 2009 and 2022.