Delap, who signed for Chelsea from Ipswich Town this summer, will offer a big selection boost for Chelsea, who currently have Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu, who was recalled from his Sunderland loan spell following Delap's setback, at their disposal in attack.

Paul Merson believes Chelsea desperately need Liam Delap back as they miss having a focal point at the top end of the pitch. Chelsea slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Sunderland which sees them drop to eighth in the Premier League.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on Jan Paul van Hecke: "I learned a new word yesterday and I tried to spell it right, it's 'discretionary effort' and it was explained to me as like if you go over and above the things I expect and he is a prime example of that.