Sources: Chelsea’s January signing plan revealed after Liam Delap blow
Chelsea will not be looking to target a new striker in January, despite Liam Delap’s recent injury, sources have told Football Insider.
The frontman tore ligaments in his shoulder during the recent goalless draw with Bournemouth, but the Blues are prepared to use Marc Guiu as cover for their injured star, rather than targeting a new addition in the market.
Delap could potentially miss up to four weeks for Chelsea, but sources say that the West London outfit remain committed to their initial plan to prioritise a new centre-back in the winter window.
Enzo Maresca and Co. believe that their internal options are capable of providing adequate cover at the top of the pitch, as they look to bridge the gap until Delap’s return.
Marc Guiu to finally get his chance for Chelsea
Chelsea also intend to keep Guiu at the club in January, despite the limited amount of gametime that he has received so far this term.
The Spaniard has had a tumultuous season so far, as he was recalled from his loan spell with Sunderland back in September after just three appearances for the newly-promoted side.
Since then, the 19-year-old has been limited to just 248 minutes of Premier League action, as he has occupied a place below the duo of Joao Pedro and Delap in Maresca’s pecking order.
But with the latter now facing a spell on the sidelines and Chelsea not lining up any reinforcements in January, there is an opportunity for the youngster to force his way into the reckoning.
Guiu is still searching for his first Premier League goal after he moved from Barcelona in the summer of 2024, and Maresca and Co. will certainly be hoping that he can have an impact in the coming weeks.
Liam Delap injury timeline could prompt Tyrique George departure
Delap was initially expected to miss up to 15 games for Chelsea, so the fact that he is now likely to be down to just a four-week absence is a welcome boost for them.
However, that could have major implications for youngster Tyrique George, who is another promising talent trying to carve out a career for himself at Stamford Bridge.
The academy graduate saw a move to Fulham fall through at the eleventh hour on deadline day in the summer, and Chelsea are planning talks with him in January to try and properly assess his long-term future.
The youngster is out of contract in 2027, but with the timeframe of Delap’s likely absence having already been significantly reduced, Chelsea may believe that there is little need to keep him around.