Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that striker Liam Delap is fit again and could feature in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Wolves.

However, the Italian tactician humorously cast doubt on whether Delap has inherited his father Rory’s legendary long throw-in skills, joking that the club might need to “check his DNA.”

Maresca addresses long throw-in debate

Speaking before Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Sunderland, Maresca had discussed his side’s struggles defending long throw-ins, a recurring weakness this season. The coach explained why he avoids using the tactic himself, saying:

“Most long throws go inside the six-yard box, so it’s complicated. If we don’t use them, it’s because I don’t like it, but football evolves, so maybe one day we’ll try it.

“Liam’s dad was the king of long throw-ins! If we ever decide to use them, we’ll sub on his dad.”

Ironically, Chelsea conceded from a long throw against Sunderland, prompting further scrutiny of the issue. When asked to clarify his earlier remarks, Maresca said on Tuesday:

“I never said we’d check Liam’s DNA. People interpret things differently. I only meant that right now, we don’t plan to use long throws.

“Maybe one day, but not tomorrow. And no, I haven’t asked Liam about his throw-ins, though we could always swap him with Rory.”

Delap set for Return after two-month injury layoff

Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town during the summer transfer window but suffered an injury in just his third appearance, limping off in the first half of the 2-0 win over Fulham on August 30.

Maresca confirmed that the 22-year-old has returned to full training: “Yes, he trained completely yesterday and is available for tomorrow. Not for 90 minutes, though, it’s been two months out, so he needs time to get back to full fitness.”

With a packed fixture schedule ahead, including matches against Tottenham Hotspur, Qarabag FK and Wolves again in the Premier League, Maresca is expected to rotate his squad.