What might have been Liam Delap’s first full 90 minutes for Chelsea ended after less than a quarter of an hour on Saturday.
Delap started up front against Fulham at Stamford Bridge alongside fellow new striker Joao Pedro in the weekend’s early Premier League game.
But the former Manchester City youngster only touched the ball three times before pulling up in pain with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Delap was subbed off in the 14th minute when he was replaced by teenager Tyrique George.
After leaving the field, Delap headed straight down the tunnel, rather than taking a seat on the home bench.
The game was still level at 0-0 when Delap went off. Fulham thought they had taken the lead moments later but Josh King was denied a first Premier League goal after a VAR review ruled that Rodrigo Muniz had fouled Trevoh Chalobah in the build-up.
Chelsea’s Liam Delap appeared to injure his hamstring during Saturday’s game against Fulham
Delap looked disappointed as he sat on the turf before being substituted off in the 14th minute
After leaving the field, Delap headed down the tunnel, rather than taking a seat on the bench
Chelsea then went 1-0 up right on the stroke of half-time when Pedro headed in to score his first goal for his new club.
Saturday’s appearance was Delap’s ninth for Chelsea since joining from Ipswich Town for £30million in June.
He made his debut at the FIFA Club World Cup in a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC.
Delap went on to feature six times at the Club World Cup — including a cameo in the final — with his only goal coming in a 3-0 victory against ES Tunis.
More to follow.
