Enzo Maresca confirms Liam Delap's injury return date ahead of Sunderland clash

Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury in August (Photo: Getty)

Liam Delap is set to return from injury sooner than expected, Enzo Maresca has revealed ahead of Chelsea ’s clash against Sunderland.

Following their 5-1 thrashing of Ajax in the Champions League , Chelsea will be looking to continue their winning run in the Premier League on Saturday.

They welcome the Black Cats to Stamford Bridge, with the newly promoted side remarkably level on points with the Blues following a brilliant start to the season.

Maresca will be grateful then that he has no new injury issues to deal with, though Cole Palmer and Benoit Badiashile are still in the treatment room, while Malo Gusto is suspended after being sent off in the 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest.

And the head coach has more good news for Chelsea fans, revealing that Delap has returned to training sooner than expected following his hamstring injury.

The Blues beat Manchester United to the signing of the Ipswich Town striker over the summer and the £30million star had an instant impact, helping his new side win the Club World Cup.

However, the 22-year-old limped off the pitch during the 2-0 win over Fulham in August and was not expected to return to action until mid-November.

Delap won the Club World Cup soon after signing for Chelsea (Photo: Getty)

But in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Maresca revealed: ‘Liam took part of the session yesterday with the team for the first time.

‘He is not going to be available for tomorrow but probably for the next one.’

After the Sunderland match, Chelsea face Wolves on Wednesday night for their Carabao Cup fourth-round match.

Asked if Delap could be available for the trip to Molineux, Maresca replied: ‘He can be available.’

More to follow…