Key Takeaways:
- Liam Delap was substituted in the 32nd minute with a severe shoulder injury during Chelsea’s goalless draw with Bournemouth in the 15th round of the Premier League
- This marks Delap’s second major setback of the season, having previously missed time through a hamstring injury
- Since signing from Ipswich for 40 million euros in the summer of 2025, the 22-year-old striker has made 11 appearances and scored one goal for Chelsea
Match Incident and Injury Details
Chelsea forward Liam Delap suffered a serious shoulder injury midway through the first half of the team’s goalless encounter with Bournemouth during the 15th round of Premier League action. The incident occurred following a collision at a corner, leading to Delap being withdrawn from the pitch in the 32nd minute after clearly experiencing discomfort.
Liam Delap #BOUCHE pic.twitter.com/X1a8yr2ORV
— H (@HQpcrt) December 6, 2025
Maresca Confirms Scale of the Setback
Manager Enzo Maresca addressed the situation in a post-match interview with BBC, highlighting the severity of Delap’s injury and the frustration for both player and club. Maresca stated, “Unfortunately, he already missed two months earlier and now he is out again. We still don’t know for how long, but his shoulder looks pretty bad,” adding further, “No luck. We don’t have any either, because we really need a number nine like him.”
Delap’s Struggles This Season
This recent blow compounds what has been a difficult period for Delap, who was already sidelined earlier in the campaign with a hamstring problem. The young forward’s return had boosted Chelsea’s attacking options, but the latest injury now leaves the side without a natural number nine once again.
| Player | Age | Club Joined From | Transfer Fee | Season Joined | Appearances | Goals | Injuries This Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Delap | 22 | Ipswich | 40 million euros | 2025 | 11 | 1 | Hamstring, Shoulder |
