Chelsea have been dealt a blow with Liam Delap expected to miss up to three months of action after suffering a hamstring injury during the 2-0 win over Fulham before the international break.
The 22-year-old striker was forced off after just 14 minutes at Stamford Bridge, and manager Enzo Maresca has now confirmed that Delap faces a spell of 10 to 12 weeks on the sidelines.
The Blues are hopeful he could return in late November, avoiding surgery and potentially offering a boost ahead of the congested festive period.
Delap, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in June for £30 million, had made a promising start to life in west London, featuring in all three of the club’s opening fixtures.
Chelsea have been dealt a blow with Liam Delap expected to miss up to three months of action after suffering a hamstring injury during the 2-0 win over Fulham before the international break
|PA
His absence leaves Maresca with limited options up front following the departure of Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich for £70.5m on deadline day.
Chelsea moved quickly to recall 18-year-old forward Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland to bolster their striking options.
Guiu could be in contention for minutes in the coming weeks, although summer signing Joao Pedro — who arrived from Brighton — is expected to lead the line.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
“For us, the only number nine is [Marc] Guiu and Joao [Pedro] can play there, and against Fulham we used Ty [George],” Maresca said when discussing Chelsea’s attacking depth.
Delap had been Ipswich’s top scorer last season, netting 12 times in the Premier League and making 37 appearances as the Tractor Boys secured a surprise top-half finish.
His development under Kieran McKenna had made him one of the most sought-after young strikers in England, with Chelsea beating several rivals to his signature in the summer.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Chelsea striker Liam Delap won't be involved in his side's Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday night
|PA
Meanwhile, there is more positive news for Maresca with Cole Palmer edging closer to a return.
The England international has missed Chelsea’s last two games with a groin issue but has resumed partial training ahead of Saturday night’s trip to Brentford.
“Cole took part in the session yesterday for the first time, not the entire session,” Maresca explained.
JUST IN: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner 'dating same model' as details emerge after US Open final
“We have one more session this afternoon and we are going to try with him to see if he's OK, otherwise he will be out tomorrow.
"He is recovering from an injury. When he is available, we need to manage him because of the amount of games.”
On Friday, Chelsea were charged with 74 alleged rule breaches by the Premier League.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer is set to return to action
|PA
But Maresca isn't too concerned. When quizzed, he replied: "I know from the club that they are satisfied about the process.
"Personally, I have nothing to add. I have no idea, to be honest. I want to focus on the pitch, something I can control.
"The rest is not in my hands."