Delap Makes Comeback as Chelsea Look to Address Attacking Problems

Attacker Liam Delap is coming back from a muscle issue at a important period for Chelsea.

The Stamford Bridge outfit lost 2-1 against unexpected challengers Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on the weekend, with head coach Enzo Maresca citing "a lack of creativity" and his team's delivery being "below standard".

Chelsea's attackers are struggling for goals and key passes as Delap is back available in the EFL Cup against bottom-half Wolves on Wednesday (evening kickoff), having been absent for 10 matches since sustaining the injury in the victory over Fulham in the summer.

Maresca commented the emerging talent will be gradually introduced "gradually", and the recent acquisition's comeback is important for a side facing scrutiny over their unpredictability, which has left the cup competitions their most realistic chance of securing honors this season.

Delap to Share Load With Joao Pedro

Chelsea acquired Delap from the Championship side for a £30 million fee despite interest from the Red Devils, the Magpies and Everton.

Yet the young English striker was second to £55 million acquisition Joao Pedro in the selection hierarchy at this recent international tournament - and with solid justification.

Joao Pedro scored three goals in three outings as Chelsea secured the maiden title in the USA. The Seleção attacker added two more goals and three assists in his first four Premier League games after moving from the Seagulls.

More lately, however, Joao Pedro has not scored in his previous seven fixtures. Maresca revealed he is one of three squad members - along with central players Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo - who at the moment demand to be "shielded".

When queried about Joao Pedro's dip in form, Maresca commented: "Definitely the physical part is important. When you are not 100% it's hard to perform, notably in this competition."

"Joao Pedro is not a traditional striker that is going to score 20 goals every season. Joao's a excellent footballer, he's going to find the net and create chances but he's a different kind of nine to ones that score 20 to 25 goals every season like the Polish striker, the PSG forward or [Erling] Haaland."

Broader Issues in Chelsea's Attack

Chelsea deal with broader problems beyond their forwards and Joao Pedro's drought.

Attacker Cole Palmer has completed two games all season and is not anticipated to feature from a groin injury until the winter.

Winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, signed from Borussia Dortmund for a fee rising to £52m, has zero strikes and one goal contribution in 10 matches. Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m acquisition from Manchester United, has one goal in seven games and forced an own goal against Benfica.

Estevao Willian, the teenager, has shown promise since arriving from Palmeiras for a potential £51 million deal, but has only two goals and a single assist - equaling academy forward Tyrique George.

Attacker Marc Guiu and Seagulls temporary signing Facundo Buonanotte have a single strike apiece.

Marc Cucurella, who notched seven from full-back last season, is still to score this term. Attacking player Pedro Neto has one goal and two setups in his previous two fixtures, but prior to that got only one goal in the initial ten fixtures.

After thirteen fixtures in various cups no forward has more than two goals, with central players Fernandez and Caicedo Chelsea's joint top scorers with four goals.

Asked whether a lack of natural goalscorers means responsibility must be shared, Maresca stated: "Certainly, yes. We repeatedly stated that the front five at the attack, we need numerous strikes from each, in the way we have done last term."

Maresca has discovered methods to be competitive despite goal-scoring variability. Chelsea are second place for dead-ball situations in the top flight, one less than Arsenal. In addition, the Stamford Bridge side are the initial club to have 10 different scorers in the Premier League this campaign.

Is the Number Nine Hoodoo About to Lift?

Some Chelsea supporters believe the center-forward number - claimed by Delap in the transfer window - is cursed. It had been available since recently, and squad members who sported it since 2006 have struggled for goals, including:

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2022-23) - three strikes in 21 appearances
• Romelu Lukaku (2021-22) - 15 goals in fifty-eight matches
• Tammy Abraham (2019-20, 2021-22) - 30 goals in eighty-two matches
• Gonzalo Higuain (2018-19) - five strikes in 19 games
• Alvaro Morata (2017-18) - twenty-four strikes in seventy-two matches
• Radamel Falcao (2015-16) - a single strike in twelve matches
• Fernando Torres (2010-11, 2014-15): forty-five strikes in 172 appearances
• Franco di Santo (2008-10) - no goals in 16 appearances
• Steve Sidwell (2007-08) - a single strike in 25 appearances
• Khalid Boulahrouz (2006-07) - failed to score in 20 games

A central player and backline player are part of this selection, and some would suggest Abraham lifted the hoodoo with his record, while famous attackers such as Peter Osgood and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink thrived with the striker's jersey.

But Delap was unconcerned when questioned about the jinx. "I'm not one [who believes in curses]," he stated at the global competition.

"In the final analysis it's a figure on the jersey of your kit. It's just a number that has always been related to strikers so it's something that I enjoy and there's zero expectation."