Liam Delap return date revealed with surgery not needed for Chelsea striker after injury blow against Fulham

According to The Athletic, Delap's injury lay-off is estimated to be around 10 weeks, which means the forward can resume training by November and potentially make his competitive return before Chelsea open their busy festive schedule. 

Following Delap's injury, Chelsea had initially planned to cancel Nicolas Jackson's loan move to Bayern Munich. However, they eventually agreed to sanction Jackson's move, and brought back Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland instead. 

While Delap continues his recovery, the Blues have some difficult matches ahead over the next two months. Enzo Maresca's side open their Champions League campaign away to Bayern Munich on September 17 and face a trip to Manchester United in the Premier League three days later, before hosting Liverpool on October 4.

In Delap's absence, Joao Pedro will continue to step up and take responsibility for the team's primary goalscorer. The Brazilian forward has scored two league goals in three appearances since his summer move from Brighton. Maresca's side next face Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.