Coach Enzo Maresca delivers unfortunate news about the expensive new signing

Coach Enzo Maresca has provided an update on striker Liam Delap’s injury during the win over Fulham.

Chelsea secured their second Premier League victory this season by comfortably defeating their city rivals Fulham in the third round.

However, the victory was somewhat overshadowed for the Stamford Bridge side as striker Liam Delap, Chelsea’s new signing this season, suffered an injury and had to leave the pitch in the 14th minute. After the match, Coach Enzo Maresca reported some rather discouraging news regarding the English star.

Specifically, he stated: "Liam’s injury does not look very promising. He has a hamstring issue from a sprinting incident, and as usual, this type of injury typically requires several weeks for recovery.

Regarding the possibility of signing another striker, we have just finished the match, left the dressing room, and came straight to this press conference. After this, the coaching staff will discuss and then decide whether any new signings are necessary."

This was Delap’s second start in the Premier League this season, and the 2003-born player has yet to score or assist for Chelsea. This start is seen as below expectations, especially compared to other new signings like Joao Pedro and Estevao.

However, with the upcoming FIFA international break in early September, Delap will have time to recover before waiting for another chance to prove himself and justify the €35 million that The Blues spent to acquire him from Ipswich Town.

Regarding the team, Coach Maresca expressed great satisfaction with the win but also pointed out some aspects of the team’s play that he was not pleased with.

The Italian tactician added: "I am very pleased. As you mentioned, securing seven points from three matches is very important. Overall, I’m happy with this result.

However, after the first half today, I was not satisfied because we did not execute our planned ball possession style well, and we also struggled in duels and second-ball situations.

In the second half, things changed. The entire team played with more confidence, handled second balls and one-on-one challenges better. I believe we fully deserved the win because we dominated the opponent during this period. Against a team like that, if you’re not strong enough, you will face difficulties."

Hosting Fulham at home, Chelsea showed clear superiority over their opponents. However, it was only near the end of the first half that the Blues found the net through Joao Pedro’s goal. Early in the second half, the home team earned a penalty, which Enzo Fernandez successfully converted to double the lead.

In the remaining time, both teams had chances but failed to convert. Ultimately, Chelsea won 2-0 against Fulham.

The three points earned allowed Coach Enzo Maresca’s squad to temporarily climb to the top of the table with seven points, despite having played one more match than their rivals.

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Chelsea suffers significant setback despite win over Fulham Chelsea continued to show improvement early in the 2025/26 season by defeating Fulham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, extending their winning streak to two matches in the Premier League. However, the joy of victory was dampened by a worrying injury to young striker Liam Delap. See more