Chelsea Recalls Striker, Targets Sporting Forward After Delap Injury

Chelsea is urgently seeking striker reinforcements after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks or possibly longer. The club blocked Nicolas Jackson’s loan move to Bayern Munich, despite the striker remaining in Germany hoping to complete the transfer, as Chelsea explores alternatives including recalling Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland, which requires Sunderland's agreement due to no break clause in the loan contract. Chelsea is also in talks with Sporting Lisbon to sign Denmark international Conrad Harder, who scored 11 goals last season and had attracted interest from AC Milan and RB Leipzig. Delap’s injury has forced Chelsea to act quickly before the transfer deadline, with limited loan options available, prompting consideration of permanent signings. Fans have supported the idea of recalling Guiu, who has yet to start for Sunderland but scored in a Carabao Cup match. The club received special Premier League permission to send Delap for hospital checkups immediately after his injury to expedite planning for his absence.