Liam Delap has had to be patient in his return to the Chelsea first team after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for two months.
The striker first returned to action off the bench in the EFL Cup against Wolves, although his comeback lasted just 26 minutes before he was shown a red card for two bookable offences.
Enzo Maresca was furious with Delap for putting what looked a certain win in danger, and he was suspended for the Premier League victory against Tottenham.
Despite being available for the Champions League game against Qarabag, Delap would again not start, having to wait until half-time before he helped the Blues rescue a point in Azerbaijan.
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Troy Deeney thinks Enzo Maresca is sending a message to Liam Delap
Troy Deeney believes this decision was made by Maresca to send a message to the Englishman that he had to earn his place back in the side after letting his teammates down against Wolves.
He said: “Liam Delap who has been injured for a while and clearly got sent off. He tried to send a message to him that like you’re at the bottom of the rung now like you’ve got to work at it and earn it back. I don’t disagree with that.”
It has to be noted that the presence of the former Ipswich Town man on the pitch against Qarabag was key to the Blues getting back into the game, despite the fact that he did not score himself.
Delap’s disciplinary record is poor, but other circumstances suggest he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet to face Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
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Liam Delap has to start vs Wolves
In his absence, Joao Pedro has spent the majority of the time leading the line for Chelsea, although it is clear fans are not seeing the best of him in that role.
In Cole Palmer’s absence, the Brazilian should be given the licence to create behind a number nine, presenting the perfect opportunity for Delap to return to the side.
The turbulent situation for the visitors should also encourage Chelsea. Wolves are yet to win this season, and will be coming to Stamford Bridge without a permanent manager in place.
The chance is there for Delap to open his Premier League account for his new club, and despite his misdemeanours he should be handed the opportunity on Saturday night.
