Liam Delap and Estevao poised for Chelsea comeback against Aston Villa

Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, anticipates that Liam Delap and Estevao will both be ready for action as Aston Villa, who are in good shape, come to Stamford Bridge this Saturday.

Delap has bounced back from a shoulder issue he picked up in the stalemate against Bournemouth on December 6, at a time when the £30 million ($40.5 million) forward appeared headed for an extended absence.

Since joining from Ipswich during the transfer period, the 22-year-old has not yet netted his initial Premier League strike, after sitting out about 10 weeks of action, primarily due to a groin injury from his debut home appearance in August.

Estevao's comeback, following his last outing as a late replacement in the December 13 victory over Everton, further strengthens Maresca's choices.

“Estevao is available for Saturday and also Liam Delap," Maresca said. "We didn't know exactly how long (Delap) needed to be out. Very happy for both."

The upcoming game on Saturday will pit two of England's top attacking midfielders against each other, with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers facing off against Chelsea's Cole Palmer, both aiming to secure their place in the national team before the World Cup next year.

Though Rogers has shone brightly for Villa in third position this term, Maresca remained steadfast in support of his own talent, stating: "I love Cole and Cole is my player. It's a good option for (England manager) Thomas (Tuchel) but in the end it’s his decision."

After seasons marred by injuries, Reece James has shone for Chelsea in fourth place and played a key role in their recovery from a 2-0 deficit to a 2-2 tie with Newcastle.

When questioned if James is acting as the leader he desires, Maresca responded: "Absolutely, yes. He is growing in terms of leadership, in terms of playing more minutes. This is why we are happy, because first of all he can be fit and healthy, and then because he can be a leader.

“He is one of the main players. He’s an academy player, he’s the captain. When he's fit, he’s one of the best players we have, no doubt."