Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over west London rivals Fulham in their Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but the win was overshadowed by a significant injury to striker Liam Delap, compounding concerns following Nicolas Jackson’s loan to Bayern Munich.
Goals from João Pedro and Enzo Fernández, coupled with controversial VAR decisions, ensured Chelsea moved temporarily atop the Premier League table.
However, manager Enzo Maresca now faces a striker shortage, with Delap’s hamstring injury potentially sidelining him for six to eight weeks, leaving the Blues critically short-staffed up front.
Delap’s Injury Sparks Panic
The match took a worrying turn when Liam Delap, Chelsea’s 22-year-old striker signed from Ipswich Town for £31 million, limped off in the first half clutching his right hamstring.
Maresca confirmed post-match to reporters that the injury could keep Delap out for up to two months, stating, “Hamstring. Was full speed. Hopefully it is not long, but this kind of injury is always six to eight weeks.”
Delap’s exit forced Chelsea to rely on academy talent Tyrique George as a makeshift forward, highlighting the squad’s lack of depth in the striker position.
With Christopher Nkunku already transferred to AC Milan for €42 million and Jackson nearing a €15 million loan move to Bayern Munich, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, fans have urged the club to cancel Jackson’s deal to avoid further depleting their attacking options.
Controversial Victory and Squad Depth Concerns
Chelsea’s win was secured through João Pedro’s header in first-half stoppage time, his fifth goal in five starts since joining from Brighton for £60 million.
Also, a second-half penalty from Fernández after a contentious VAR call disallowed a Fulham goal by Josh King for minimal contact by Rodrigo Muniz on Trevoh Chalobah.
Despite the victory, Chelsea’s injury woes extend beyond Delap. Cole Palmer, ruled out with a groin injury sustained before the West Ham game, remains a doubt, while Levi Colwill (ACL), Roméo Lavia (muscular), and Benoit Badiashile (knock) are also sidelined.
Maresca’s squad, already stretched with only João Pedro and the untested Marc Guiu as recognized strikers, now faces a daunting fixture list, including upcoming matches against Brentford and Arsenal.
