Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that striker Liam Delap is on the verge of returning from injury, potentially as early as next week's Carabao Cup match against Wolves.

The summer signing has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during the victory over Fulham on August 30.

His comeback provides a welcome boost for the Blues ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

Speaking to the media before Chelsea's Premier League game against Sunderland, Maresca provided an update on the forward's recovery.

"We don't have any new injuries. Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time. He is not going to be available tomorrow but probably for the next one,” he said.

When asked if Delap was ahead of schedule, the Italian manager explained that recovery timelines can fluctuate.

"The first time they said to me that he could be available for the 25th of October. He can be available [for the League Cup game next week],” he added.

With Delap still unavailable for the weekend, Marc Guiu could be in line for a start against Sunderland.

The young striker was recalled from a loan spell at the Stadium of Light after just 26 days, a decision prompted by Nicolas Jackson's departure to Bayern Munich and Delap's injury, which left Maresca short of attacking options.

Guiu, who scored against Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday, has impressed his manager.