Delap has had a tough time since joining Chelsea in the summer for £30 million. He has been sidelined earlier in the season with a hamstring injury and has yet to score a Premier League goal for the club.

Chelsea had considered bringing in a new striker, Emmanuel Emegha, from Strasbourg earlier than planned, but Delap's early return may put those plans on hold. If Delap fails to regain his form, he may face pressure to leave the club in the new year.

Delap's return after the Christmas break will be closely watched, and he will need to bounce back quickly to save his place in the team.