Enzo Maresca confirms injury boost on Liam Delap

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided a big injury update on Liam Delap ahead of the Premier League clash against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

Delap picked up a hamstring injury against Fulham back in August, and he has been on the sidelines for several weeks. However, he is now close to making his comeback.

The Englishman took part in the team training session yesterday. He won't be available for the game against the Black Cats, but could feature in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Wolves on the road.

Maresca told reporters: "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."

Chelsea are fifth in the league standings with 14 points on the board. They have the opportunity to jump into the Champions League places if other results go their way.

In the absence of Delap, Marc Guiu and Joao Pedro have led the line in recent games. Guiu looks likely to start upfront against the Black Cats.