Chelsea's Delap back in training, could feature in Cup tie at Wolves

Chelsea striker Liam Delap has returned to first-team training and could be available for selection within days, manager Enzo Maresca said as the club prepares for a busy run of fixtures. The 22-year-old, who sustained a hamstring injury in late August, rejoined the squad on the training pitch at Cobham in late October and is being eased back into group work ahead of Chelsea's Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and a Carabao Cup tie the following week.

Delap, signed from Ipswich Town for around 30 million in June, had been expected to be sidelined for up to 10 to 12 weeks. Maresca indicated the forward has progressed faster than anticipated. Liam is very close, he said. He is not working with us yet, he is still out, but hopefully he can start in the next days to take part in the session with us. The manager later confirmed Delap took part in a session with the team for the first time and would not be available for the upcoming league game, but could be in contention for the cup match at Molineux.

The striker’s return offers Chelsea fresh options up front after a summer scramble that saw the club recall teenage forward Marc Guiu from a loan at Sunderland and...