Liam Delap injury: Chelsea coach Maresca considers George for striker role

Chelsea’s academy graduate Tyrique George is set to play a bigger role in the first team after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the 19-year-old is being considered as a striking option following Liam Delap’s injury setback.

Delap, who had impressed with his early-season form, is expected to be out for three months after sustaining a hamstring problem during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on August 31. 

With Christopher Nkunku completing a £36 million move to AC Milan and Nicolas Jackson joining Bayern Munich on loan, Maresca’s attacking options have thinned significantly.

"For us, the only number nine is [Marc] Guiu and Joao [Pedro] can play there, and against Fulham we used Ty [George],” Maresca said at his press conference on Friday, underlining the teenager’s growing importance.

George’s rise into the first-team picture comes after a dramatic transfer twist. 

On deadline day, the Cobham graduate was on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge for Fulham in a £22 million move.

The forward had completed a medical, agreed to a five-year deal, and sources such as Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein reported the transfer as 'done'.

 However, the deal collapsed late in the window after Fulham failed to sell Harry Wilson to Leeds United and added Kevin and Samuel Chukwueze to their squad.

That collapse may now prove crucial for Chelsea. George, who has already made a senior cameo, offers versatility across the front line and is seen as a candidate to step into the gap left by Delap. 

With competition from Joao Pedro and recently recalled striker Marc Guiu, George faces a challenge to secure a starting role, but the opportunity is clear.

As Chelsea prepare for their London derby against Brentford and upcoming European fixtures, George’s near-exit could become the platform for his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge.

Wale Adejumo

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