Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed that Liam Delap suffered a shoulder injury during Saturday’s goalless draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League.Â
The Blues failed to fully capitalise on Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa earlier in the day as the Cherries held them to just a point at Dean Court.
It could have been worse for the west London outfit as Antoine Semenyo had the ball in the net just four minutes after the game kicked off, but it was chalked off by VAR as Evanilson was offside in the buildup.
Robert Sanchez ensured they went home with at least a point after making five saves to deny Bournemouth what would have been a huge victory.
Maresca admitted afterwards that his side lacked quality in attack as they failed to score in a match for just the second time this season.
“I think we tried to win the game,” the Italian told Sky Sports. “We had some chances. I said many times it’s important not to lose when you don’t win. We missed a bit of quality in the last third but we need to go again on Tuesday.”
He added: “We had a few chances to score. It’s important not to concede. Hopefully, we’re going to be luckier and score in the games.”
Liam Delap injury blow confirmed as Chelsea held by Bournemouth
Delap was forced off the pitch in the 32nd minute after Marcos Senesi fell on him awkwardly. Maresca said the striker “probably” dislocated his shoulder. He will almost certainly miss next week’s trip to Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League and next weekend’s meeting with Everton at Stamford Bridge.
In more positive news, Cole Palmer made his first start for Chelsea since September after making a recovery from a groin injury and fractured toe.
“He was good,” said Maresca. “After a long time, he played for some minutes and now he needs to build his physical condition.
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