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Striker Liam Delap is returning from a thigh problem at a time of need for Chelsea.

The Blues lost 2-1 against surprise package Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with boss Enzo Maresca citing "insufficient imagination" and his team's delivery being "subpar".

Chelsea's attackers are having difficulty finding the net and assists as Delap returns in the EFL Cup against struggling Wolves on Wednesday (prime time), having been absent for 10 matches since suffering the setback in the victory over Fulham in the summer.

Maresca commented the young striker will be gradually introduced "carefully", and the new recruit's return is crucial for a side facing criticism over their mixed results, which has left the domestic cups their best opportunity of claiming silverware this campaign.

Delap to Ease Burden On Joao Pedro

Chelsea brought in Delap from Ipswich Town for thirty million pounds despite pursuit by Old Trafford club, Newcastle United and Goodison Park team.

Yet the Three Lions prospect was behind £55m signing Joao Pedro in the pecking order at this summer's Club World Cup - and with solid justification.

Joao Pedro scored three goals in three matches as Chelsea secured the maiden title in the United States. The Seleção attacker notched additional strikes and three goal contributions in his opening quartet of league fixtures after joining from Brighton.

More of late, however, Joao Pedro has failed to score in his previous seven fixtures. Maresca stated he is one of three players - along with central players Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo - who currently need to be "shielded".

When questioned about Joao Pedro's drop in output, Maresca commented: "Certainly the fitness aspect is important. When you are not at peak condition it's difficult to compete, especially in this league."

"Joao Pedro is not a number nine that is going to score 20 goals annually. Joao's a excellent footballer, he's going to get goals and create chances but he's a different kind of nine to ones that score 20 to 25 goals annually like the Polish striker, [Kylian] Mbappe or the Norwegian goal machine."

Wider Problems in Chelsea's Offense

Chelsea face broader problems apart from their attackers and Joao Pedro's scoreless streak.

Attacker Cole Palmer has featured for ninety minutes twice all term and is not expected return from a groin injury until next month.

Wide player Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, brought in from Borussia Dortmund for a £52m package, has no goals and one goal contribution in ten games. Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m acquisition from Manchester United, has one score in seven outings and induced an opposition error against Benfica.

Estevao Willian, the teenager, has shown promise since joining from Palmeiras for a £51m package, but has merely two scores and one assist - equaling academy forward Tyrique George.

Attacker Marc Guiu and Seagulls temporary signing Facundo Buonanotte have a single strike apiece.

Marc Cucurella, who notched seven from defensive position last term, is without a goal this campaign. Wide man Pedro Neto has one goal and two setups in his previous two fixtures, but earlier found the net just once in the opening ten matches.

After 13 matches in all competitions no attacker has more than two goals, with central players Fernandez and Caicedo Chelsea's equal leading marksmen with four goals.

Queried whether a absence of prolific strikers means responsibility must be shared, Maresca commented: "Certainly, yes. We frequently mentioned that the quintet of attackers at the front, we need multiple goals per player, in the way we have done last campaign."

Maresca has found ways to be competitive despite goal-scoring variability. Chelsea are second for free-kick and corner scores in the Premier League, trailing by one Arsenal. In addition, the Stamford Bridge side are the pioneering side to have 10 different scorers in the top flight this term.

Can Chelsea's Striker Jinx End?

Some Chelsea followers think the number nine shirt - claimed by Delap in the transfer window - is jinxed. It had been available since recently, and squad members who donned it since 2006 have struggled for goals, including:

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2022-23) - three strikes in 21 appearances
• Romelu Lukaku (2021-22) - 15 scores in 58 appearances
• Tammy Abraham (2019-20, 2021-22) - 30 goals in 82 games
• Gonzalo Higuain (2018-19) - five strikes in 19 appearances
• Alvaro Morata (2017-18) - 24 scores in 72 appearances
• Radamel Falcao (2015-16) - one score in 12 appearances
• Fernando Torres (2010-11, 2014-15): 45 goals in 172 appearances
• Franco di Santo (2008-10) - failed to score in 16 games
• Steve Sidwell (2007-08) - a single strike in 25 appearances
• Khalid Boulahrouz (2006-07) - failed to score in 20 appearances

A engine room operator and backline player are part of this selection, and some would suggest Abraham broke the curse with his achievement, while legendary strikers such as Peter Osgood and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink flourished with the striker's jersey.

But Delap was unconcerned when questioned about the hoodoo. "I'm not the type of person [who believes in curses]," he commented at the international tournament.

"At the end of the day it's a figure on the jersey of your uniform. It's just a digit that has traditionally been associated to forwards so it's something that I enjoy and there's no pressure."