Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has revealed that both Enzo Fernández and Liam Delap are nearing returns to first-team action, offering a timely double boost as the Blues prepare for a busy week across domestic and European competition.
The west London side have endured one of the Premier League’s most severe injury crises this season, but Maresca says key players are now edging closer to full fitness — just in time for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Ajax at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernández returns to training
Midfielder Enzo Fernández has resumed training after missing Saturday’s 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest with a minor knee issue. The Argentine returned early from international duty earlier this month but has since recovered well.
Speaking at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, Maresca confirmed the midfielder’s progress:
“Enzo took part in the session yesterday. We have one more session this afternoon,” said Maresca. “We will see what we decide with him tomorrow. But we said before it was not something we have to be worried about. It was just to try to protect Enzo.”
Fernández’s return will be a huge boost for Chelsea, who have lacked his control and creativity in midfield in recent weeks.
Delap ahead of schedule for comeback
Meanwhile, Liam Delap is also closing in on a surprise early comeback from the hamstring injury he suffered against Fulham in August.
Initially expected to be out until late November or December, the £30 million summer signing from Ipswich Town is now targeting a return to training in the coming days.
“Liam is very close,” Maresca revealed. “He is not working with us yet. He is still out. But hopefully he can start in the next days with us.”
Delap’s absence forced Chelsea into late transfer window reshuffles, recalling Marc Guiu from his Sunderland loan and allowing Nicolas Jackson to join Bayern Munich. His imminent return adds much-needed depth to the Blues’ attacking options.
Injury picture easing at last
Chelsea’s injury list has begun to shrink in recent weeks. Andrey Santos and Tosin Adarabioyo both made their comebacks in the win over Forest, while Reece James and João Pedro completed 90 minutes after respective knocks. Pedro Neto also started after shaking off a minor issue.
Moises Caicedo made a half-time return from his own fitness concerns, and Wesley Fofana, now recovered from concussion, is expected to be back in the squad for Ajax.
However, Maresca will still be without several long-term absentees:
- Cole Palmer – out for six weeks (groin)
- Benoît Badiashile – sidelined until December (muscle)
- Dário Essugo and Levi Colwill – long-term injuries
- Mykhailo Mudryk – remains unavailable
Malo Gusto is eligible to face Ajax after his red card at Forest but will serve a domestic suspension for Sunderland’s visit to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Our View: Maresca’s patience paying off
In our view, Enzo Maresca’s patient approach to player recovery is finally bearing fruit. With Fernández and Delap returning and key figures regaining match fitness, Chelsea’s squad depth is improving just in time for a demanding run of fixtures.
The Italian’s challenge now will be managing workloads carefully to avoid further setbacks while rebuilding rhythm and consistency in his starting XI.
Key Insights
- Enzo Fernández back in training after minor knee problem
- Liam Delap nearing early return from hamstring injury
- Andrey Santos, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Reece James back in action
- Chelsea still missing Cole Palmer, Badiashile, Colwill, and Mudryk
- Blues face Ajax in the Champions League before hosting Sunderland
What’s Next
Chelsea host Ajax at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Wednesday night, before returning to Premier League action against Sunderland on Saturday.
👉 Can Chelsea build momentum now that their injury crisis is finally easing?
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