Carabao Cup: Rory Delap returns for Chelsea Against Wolves

Chelsea face wider issues up front with their strikers and Joao Pedro’s aimless run.

Forward Cole Palmer has played two full matches all season and is not expected to return from a groin injury until December.

Winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, signed from Borussia Dortmund for a fee increase of £52m, has no goals and one assist in 10 matches. Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m signing from Manchester United, has one goal in seven matches and forced an own goal against Benichica.

Estevao Wildian, 18, contributed from joining from Palmeiras for a fee that rose to £51m, but with two goals and an assist – equivalent to Academy Store George.

Striker Marc Guiu and Brighton loanee Facundo buonanotte had a goal each.

Marc Cucurella, who scored seven since last season, has yet to find the net this season. Winger Pedro Neto has a goal and two assists in his past two matches, but has yet to score once in his first 10 games.

After 13 matches in all competitions no forward has more than two goals, with midfielders Fernandez and Caedo Chelsea Joint Top Scorers with four.

Asked if a lack of natural goalscorers meant responsibility had to be shared, Maresca said: “Actually, yes, eight, 10 goals each, 10 goals each, 10 goals each, 10 goals each have already been done last season.”

Maresca found ways to compete despite the onslaught of controversy. CHELSEA is second for goals scored in the Premier League, one behind Arsenal. In addition, the blues are the first team to have 10 different scorers in the top flight this season.