Liam Delap: Where next for Chelsea striker and can he bounce back?

As reported on Wednesday, Delap lost his number nine shirt to Joao Pedro, who largely excelled at his expense last season after joining from Brighton in the same transfer window.

It followed the Englishman’s move to a group of around 12 players who train separately, albeit alongside new manager Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad, at their Cobham base.

For Alonso, the decision is understandable given the difficulties of working with a squad of around 40 players while preparing for his first competitive match at Fulham in the Premier League on Monday.

However, it was a blow to those players who knew their futures were uncertain, but had previously remained involved with the main training group.

The new arrangement, though, is designed to keep those players close to the first-team squad. Chelsea insist the system is fluid, pointing to new signings Jordan Henderson and Welbeck building fitness in the second group despite both being part of Alonso’s plans.

Chelsea were among the clubs to use a so-called “bomb squad” last season, effectively isolating a group of players that included Raheem Sterling and Disasi. Those players trained on a separate pitch, in a different area of the training ground and at a different time from the first team.

Several from that group publicly made negative comments about their treatment, while the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the players’ union, warned Chelsea about the practice.

The approach has since been outlawed by Fifa.

Chelsea also said their decision to keep the current group close to the first team, using the same gym, changing facilities and dining areas, reflects a period of reflection on what had previously gone wrong.

The club are keen to address wider cultural issues that some sources have previously described as creating a “soulless” or “transactional” atmosphere behind the scenes.

Delap is not the only player facing an uncertain future. Also in the secondary group are Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson and defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Tosin has also lost his number four shirt to new midfield signing Valentin Barco.