Big boost for Blues - Estevao and Delap are ready for Aston Villa

Chelsea have received a major boost ahead of their pivotal Premier League clash with Aston Villa after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed Estevao and Liam Delap are both fit for Saturday’s showdown at Stamford Bridge. The Blues aim to extend their three-game unbeaten run as they host Unai Emery’s visitors, who arrive on the back of ten consecutive wins across all competitions.

After a brief dip that left Chelsea without a win in four matches spanning the Premier League and Champions League, Maresca’s squad has regained momentum in recent weeks.

Following a 2-0 victory over in-form Everton on 13 December, the west Londoners booked their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 triumph over League One leaders Cardiff City three days later.

Chelsea also found themselves trailing 2-0 to Newcastle United last Saturday, but second-half strikes from captain Reece James and Joao Pedro salvaged a valuable point at St. James’ Park. On Saturday, however, they face a stern test as high-flying Villa arrive, riding their most impressive winning streak since 1914.

Emery’s side, last defeated by Liverpool on 1 November, have racked up ten consecutive victories, including league wins over Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Europa League triumphs against Swiss duo Young Boys and Basel.

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Ahead of what promises to be an electrifying encounter, Maresca confirmed that both Estevao and Delap will be available for selection.

"Estevao is back and he is available for Saturday," Maresca told a pre-match press conference on Christmas Eve. "Estevao and also Liam Delap. They are both back. We didn’t know exactly how long Liam would be out for but he is back on Saturday, and we are happy to have both available."

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Delap has been sidelined since a shoulder injury in Chelsea’s 0-0 league draw with Bournemouth on 6 December, while Estevao missed the last two games against Cardiff and Newcastle due to a minor muscle issue.

Since arriving from Palmeiras in the summer, Estevao has impressed this season, scoring five goals in 21 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, Delap has endured a tough start to his Chelsea career following his move from Ipswich Town, managing just one goal this season – against Barcelona in the 3-0 Champions League win on 25 November.