Delap Makes Comeback as Chelsea Look to Address Striker Issues
Attacker Liam Delap is returning from a thigh problem at a time of need for Chelsea.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were beaten 2-1 against surprise package Sunderland at their home ground on Saturday, with manager Enzo Maresca citing "insufficient imagination" and his side's crossing being "not the best".
Chelsea's forwards are struggling for goals and key passes as Delap returns in the Carabao Cup against lowly Wolves on Wednesday (evening kickoff), having been absent for 10 matches since suffering the setback in the victory over Fulham in August.
Maresca said the young striker will be gradually introduced "slowly", and the recent acquisition's comeback is crucial for a side facing questions over their unpredictability, which has left the domestic cups their most realistic chance of winning a trophy this season.
Delap to Ease Burden On Joao Pedro
Chelsea signed Delap from the Championship side for thirty million pounds despite interest from Old Trafford club, St James' Park side and the Toffees.
Yet the England Under-21s forward was below expensive recruit Joao Pedro in the selection hierarchy at this summer's Club World Cup - and with valid cause.
Joao Pedro scored three goals in three appearances as Chelsea secured the maiden title in the America. The Brazil striker scored another two and three setups in his initial four top-flight matches after arriving from Brighton.
More of late, however, Joao Pedro has been goalless in his last seven games. Maresca stated he is one of a trio of players - along with central players Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo - who presently require to be "handled carefully".
When queried about Joao Pedro's dip in form, Maresca said: "Definitely the physical part is important. When you are not at peak condition it's challenging to excel, particularly in this division."
"Joao Pedro is not a number nine that is going to score 20 goals annually. Joao's a excellent footballer, he's going to get goals and create chances but he's a distinctive forward to ones that score 20 to 25 goals each year like the Bayern legend, the French superstar or the City striker."
Wider Problems in Chelsea's Attack
Chelsea face broader problems apart from their strikers and Joao Pedro's goalless run.
Winger Cole Palmer has featured for ninety minutes twice all season and is not anticipated to feature from a groin injury until next month.
Wide player Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, signed from Borussia Dortmund for a £52m package, has no goals and one assist in ten appearances. Alejandro Garnacho, a £40 million signing from Manchester United, has a single strike in seven matches and forced an own goal against Benfica.
Estevao Willian, the teenager, has shown promise since moving from Palmeiras for a fee rising to £51m, but has only two goals and one setup - equaling youth product Tyrique George.
Attacker Marc Guiu and Seagulls temporary signing Facundo Buonanotte have a single strike apiece.
Marc Cucurella, who notched seven from defensive position last term, is yet to find the net this term. Wide man Pedro Neto has one goal and two assists in his past two matches, but prior to that scored only once in the initial ten fixtures.
After 13 matches in various cups no attacker has more than two goals, with central players Fernandez and Caicedo Chelsea's equal leading marksmen with four strikes.
Questioned whether a shortage of clinical finishers means duties need distributing, Maresca commented: "Absolutely, yes. We repeatedly stated that the front five at the front, we need multiple goals per player, in the way we have done last term."
Maresca has found ways to be competitive despite offensive unpredictability. Chelsea are second place for dead-ball situations in the Premier League, one less than Arsenal. In furthermore, the Stamford Bridge side are the first team to have ten distinct net-finders in the first division this campaign.
Is the Number Nine Hoodoo About to Lift?
Some Chelsea supporters feel the striker's jersey - assigned to Delap in the transfer window - is hexed. It had been vacant since last year, and footballers who wore it since the mid-2000s have had goal droughts, including:
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2022-23) - three goals in 21 games
- Romelu Lukaku (2021-22) - 15 scores in 58 appearances
- Tammy Abraham (2019-20, 2021-22) - 30 goals in 82 appearances
- Gonzalo Higuain (2018-19) - five goals in 19 appearances
- Alvaro Morata (2017-18) - 24 scores in 72 games
- Radamel Falcao (2015-16) - a single strike in 12 games
- Fernando Torres (2010-11, 2014-15): 45 scores in 172 appearances
- Franco di Santo (2008-10) - no goals in 16 games
- Steve Sidwell (2007-08) - one score in 25 appearances
- Khalid Boulahrouz (2006-07) - failed to score in twenty matches
A midfielder and backline player are among those listed, and some would suggest Abraham ended the jinx with his performance, while legendary strikers such as Peter Osgood and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink flourished with the number nine.
But Delap was unmoved when questioned about the hoodoo. "I don't believe [who believes in curses]," he stated at the international tournament.
"At the end of the day it's a number on the back of your kit. It's just a digit that has always been related to attackers so it's something that I enjoy and there's no added burden."
