A big shock for Enzo Maresca.. Liam Delap will be out for a long time due to injury! | OneFootball

The Italian's options are shrinking in the attacking line.

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A premature end to Liam Delap's afternoon cast a shadow over Chelsea's Premier League fixture with Fulham. The young striker's involvement lasted a mere 12 minutes before an injury, notably to his hamstring, compelled him to leave the pitch. His exit made way for Tyrique George, as the club now anxiously awaits news on the extent of the damage.

Chelsea's significant summer investment, Liam Delap, faced a frustrating setback in Saturday's Premier League encounter with Fulham. The 22-year-old striker, a €35 million acquisition, saw his afternoon cut devastatingly short after pulling up with an apparent hamstring injury just 12 minutes into the match. Forced to withdraw, he was replaced by young talent Tyrique George.

The injury compounds a difficult start to Delap's career at Stamford Bridge. Having arrived with a pedigree of 13 goals and 3 assists from 46 appearances last season, the English forward is still seeking his first goal or assist for the Blues. The sight of him clutching the back of his thigh as he departed the pitch will be a major concern for the club, which now awaits a medical assessment on the severity of the problem.