Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a significant boost to the Blues' squad ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture this weekend, confirming the availability of two key attacking players.
Double Injury Boost for Stamford Bridge Clash
The Italian tactician revealed that both striker Liam Delap and young winger Estevao are in contention for Saturday's match against high-flying Aston Villa. This news comes as a welcome relief for the fourth-placed London club, which is looking to solidify its position in the top four.
Delap, the £30 million ($40.5 million) signing from Ipswich, has made a surprisingly swift recovery from a shoulder injury. He sustained the problem during the draw with Bournemouth on December 6, with initial fears suggesting a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The 22-year-old forward has endured a frustrating start to his Chelsea career, missing around ten weeks earlier in the season with a groin injury suffered in August and is yet to open his Premier League account.
"Estevao is available for Saturday and also Liam Delap," Maresca stated clearly. "We didn't know exactly how long (Delap) needed to be out. Very happy for both." Estevao himself returns to the fold after missing action since his appearance as a late substitute in the December 13 victory over Everton.
Rogers vs Palmer: A Battle of England's Number 10s
Saturday's encounter at Stamford Bridge will feature an intriguing subplot, pitting two of England's most creative talents against each other. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers will go head-to-head with Chelsea's Cole Palmer, with both players keen to impress national team manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of next year's World Cup.
Rogers has been instrumental for third-placed Villa this campaign, but Maresca was unequivocal in his support for his own star. "I love Cole and Cole is my player," the Chelsea boss said. "It's a good option for (England manager) Thomas Tuchel but in the end it's his decision."
Reece James Earning His Captain's Armband
Another positive for Chelsea has been the sustained fitness and form of captain Reece James. The right-back, whose career has been marred by injuries, was pivotal in Chelsea's comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Newcastle recently.
When asked if James is demonstrating the leadership qualities he desires, Maresca responded emphatically. "Absolutely, yes. He is growing in terms of leadership, in terms of playing more minutes. This is why we are happy, because first of all he can be fit and healthy, and then because he can be a leader," Maresca explained.
He further praised the academy graduate's importance: "He is one of the main players. He's an academy player, he's the captain. When he's fit, he's one of the best players we have, no doubt."
The return of Delap and Estevao provides Maresca with enhanced attacking options as Chelsea prepares to face a formidable Aston Villa side on Saturday, December 27, 2025. The additional firepower could prove decisive in a match that promises to be a key moment in the race for European qualification.
