Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Liam Delap and Estevao are both in contention to feature when the Blues host high-flying Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Delap is back in the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury picked up during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on December 6 — an incident that initially raised fears of a lengthy absence. The £30 million striker has endured a stop-start campaign since his summer move from Ipswich, having missed close to 10 weeks due to injury setbacks.
The 22-year-old is still searching for his first Premier League goal in Chelsea colours, having also been sidelined earlier in the season by a groin injury sustained on his first home start in August. Despite the frustrations, Maresca expressed delight at Delap’s recovery and readiness to return.
“We didn’t know exactly how long Liam needed to be out,” Maresca said. “Very happy for both him and Estevao.”
Estevao’s availability further boosts Chelsea’s attacking options. The Brazilian has not featured since making a brief substitute appearance in the December 13 victory over Everton but is now fit and ready for selection.
“Estevao is available for Saturday and also Liam Delap,” Maresca confirmed.
Saturday’s clash is expected to be a high-quality encounter, with Chelsea facing an Aston Villa side currently sitting third in the Premier League table and enjoying one of their strongest campaigns in recent years.
The match will also spotlight two of England’s most exciting attacking midfielders, as Villa’s Morgan Rogers goes head-to-head with Chelsea star Cole Palmer. Both players are pushing to cement their places in the England setup ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Rogers has been instrumental in Villa’s impressive form this season, but Maresca was unwavering in his support for Palmer, who has been one of Chelsea’s standout performers.
“I love Cole and Cole is my player,” Maresca said. “He’s a good option for Thomas Tuchel, but in the end it’s his decision.”
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the league and will be looking to maintain momentum after fighting back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Newcastle in their previous outing. That comeback was inspired in part by captain Reece James, who has enjoyed a resurgence after several injury-plagued seasons.
James’ growing influence has not gone unnoticed by his manager, who praised the right-back’s leadership and fitness.
“Absolutely, yes,” Maresca said when asked if James is leading as expected. “He is growing in terms of leadership and playing more minutes. This is why we are happy — first because he is fit and healthy, and then because he can be a leader.
“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.”
With key players returning and confidence building, Chelsea will aim to make Stamford Bridge count against a formidable Aston Villa side as the race for Champions League places intensifies.
