Enzo Maresca says Liam Delap’s shoulder injury looks “quite bad” and fears the striker is set for another long-term lay-off.

Delap was forced off in the 32nd minute of Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday after landing awkwardly on his shoulder after a tussle with Marco Senesi.

He left the pitch with his arm in a makeshift sling.

Delap, who returned from two months out due to a hamstring injury at the end of October, has managed just 17 appearances in all competitions, including the Club World Cup, since his summer move to Chelsea.

“Unfortunately, he has already been out for two months, and he has to be out again,” he said.

Maresca has provided the latest on Delap’s injury. #CFC | #BOUCHE

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“We don’t know for how long, but it looks quite bad, his shoulder.

“He has been unlucky. We are also a bit unlucky because we need that kind of a No.9.”

Delap has scored just two goals for Chelsea so far, with his first coming in the Club World Cup before netting against Barcelona in their 3-0 Champions League win.

He still awaits his first goal for the Blues in the Premier League, having had 12 shots in total in the competition.