Future signing Quenda recovering with Chelseapublished at 10:01 GMT 18 February
10:01 GMT 18 February
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Sporting winger Geovany Quenda has been carrying out much of his recovery from a fractured metatarsal at Chelsea's training ground.
The 18‑year‑old has been given access to Chelsea's world‑class facilities at Cobham and the chance to familiarise himself with his future club ahead of his summer move.
Quenda hopes to return to the pitch in March, having sustained the injury in early December during a match against Benfica.
That return would see him feature in Sporting's upcoming Champions League last‑16 ties and his side are also competing for the Portuguese title and sit four points behind leaders Porto in second place.
The decision to have Quenda continue his rehabilitation at Cobham is not always the case, with fellow future summer signings Emanuel Emegha, at Strasbourg, and Dastan Satpaev, at FC Kairat, both currently injured but completing their recovery away from Chelsea. Emegha has remained at Strasbourg, while Satpaev has been rehabilitating in the Middle East.
Chelsea agreed a £40m pre‑contract to sign Quenda in July 2026, finalised in March last year.
'Not good enough for starting XI' or 'will surprise the doubters next season'?published at 08:12 GMT 18 February
08:12 GMT 18 February
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on where you stand on Liam Delap and his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Here are some of your comments:
Keith: Delap needs to start scoring goals but for that to happen he needs the service. A good run in the side will help.
Paul: He has had a disruptive season so far. I think if he stays injury free, he will surprise all the doubters next season.
Steven: Delap is nothing more than a decent Championship player. Never has been a Premier League player and never will be.
Phil: Delap has been very poor overall. Always seems more concerned with attempting to bully the opposition centre-half than looking after the ball and the Hull City miss was the most unprofessional piece of play I've ever seen. I'd welcome Nicolas Jackson's return, even though his main attributes seem to be petulance and self-absorption. We're not exactly spoiled for back-ups to the excellent Joao Pedro.
Baz: Delap is 'another' young player who the powers that be chose for potential. That potential is not being realised and Chelsea, can't believe I'm saying this, were better off with Jackson. Delap tries to balance failing to impress fans with his scoring by being aggressive in challenges, petulant even. Sadly, he has been mostly careless and attracts yellow cards for his troubles and lack of finesse. Delap is likeable, though, and I wish him well wherever he goes next.
Don: First thing to do for Delap is change his shirt number. The nine has been a curse for strikers at the club for too many years. His work-rate is second to none and I think the goals will come, but the nine shirt is wrong for him. He's still young, so work with him more and I think it will come.
Richard: What do you expect when he spends sooooo much time on the right wing. Get in the box, do not leave the width of the box. Watch more videos of Didier Drogba.
Gary: Having watched Delap in a Blue shirt this season, l was hoping he would prove to be an asset for us. To date, l been extremely disappointed and his performance against Hull has drawn me to two conclusions. 1. He is an excellent Championship-level player and no more; 2. He's not good enough for any Chelsea starting XI. I hope he'll prove me wrong.
James: There is no doubt Delap is a good player but is he of the level that Chelsea require? I am yet to be convinced. I feel like he would thrive more, as he did last season, playing for a team lower down the table. Without this coming across as snobbery, that would bring the best out of him.
Gossip: Blues eye Murillopublished at 08:07 GMT 18 February
08:07 GMT 18 February
Nicolas Jackson and Chelsea will evaluate their options in the summer with Bayern Munich not expected to trigger an obligation to buy the 24-year-old Senegal striker during his season-long loan in Germany. (Mail - subscription required), external
What are the chances of Jackson playing for Chelsea next season?published at 14:23 GMT 17 February
14:23 GMT 17 February
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
The likelihood of Nicolas Jackson playing for Chelsea in 2026-27 has been the subject of several questions sent in via our Blues 'Ask Me Anything' form.
It has seemed clear, almost from the outset, that Bayern Munich do not intend to sign Jackson permanently following his initial loan spell.
That leaves open the strong possibility the Senegal striker will return to Chelsea.
However, those close to the player do not expect him to feature at Stamford Bridge again, with Chelsea having made him available for sale last summer.
Jackson is likely to be assessing his next move, with clubs including Aston Villa and Juventus previously expressing interest in signing him.
Chelsea, meanwhile, already have two strikers in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, with a third, Emmanuel Emegha, arriving in the summer from Strasbourg.
There are a lot of potential scenarios that could still play out, though, and it hasn't been ruled out that Liam Rosenior takes a shine to him, or a that a major injury to another player could pave a way back for Jackson next season.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
'Running around not going to be enough'published at 07:56 GMT 17 February
07:56 GMT 17 February
Will Faulks Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
There are times in life when you get a compliment which stings as much as criticism.
Liam Rosenior's words about Liam Delap after Friday's win over Hull City had that ring to them. The Chelsea manager praised the forward's work-rate and dedication, and noted that he had given a nice assist in the 4-0 win.
But the reality is that the most memorable part of Delap's performance was his decision to prioritise celebrating, and then appeal to the referee, over actually making sure the ball was in the net after it had hit the crossbar and bounced out.
Media caption,
It was not the kind of thing you would see from a striker with a true goal-machine, killer mentality. Alan Shearer was as baffled as you'd expect on the BBC's coverage of the game. It was, on the other hand, what you expect to see from a player with two goals in 24 appearances this season.
Rosenior, like most managers, is reluctant to be critical of his players at the best of times. There's little to be gained, and a lot to lose. He is right in that Delap's assist for Estevao Willian was great, and that Delap does plenty of grafting for the team.
But in the long term, running around is not going to be enough. Of course, a consistent series of starts will help him find some form, but no striker who is scoring one goal in every 500 minutes on the pitch can expect to be starting regularly for a Champions League team.
Let's not forget, Nicolas Jackson was moved on last summer despite having a similarly admirable attitude, plus a far better goalscoring record to boot.
There is plenty of time left in the campaign for Delap to prove his worth. But he will be desperate to earn praise for more than just his diligence before the season is out.
Where do you stand on Delap and his long-term future at Stamford Bridge?
Gossip: Jackson expected to return to Chelsea from Bayern Munichpublished at 07:19 GMT 17 February
07:19 GMT 17 February
Nicolas Jackson is expected to return to Chelsea this summer because his lack of game time at Bayern Munich means the Bundesliga club are unlikely to trigger an obligation-to-buy clause in the forward's loan agreement. (Times - subscription required), external
When is FA Cup fifth-round draw?published at 08:16 GMT 16 February
08:16 GMT 16 February
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The 2025-26 FA Cup fifth-round draw will take place on Monday, 16 February at about 18:35 GMT.
It will be done before the fourth-round tie between Macclesfield Town - the lowest-ranked team left in the competition - and Brentford, with former England internationals Joe Cole and Karen Carney conducting the draw on TNT Sports.
Supporters can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.
All matches will be played around the weekend commencing Saturday, 7 March.
Unlike in previous years, there are no replays if matches end as a draw. All ties will go to extra time, and if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Gossip: Chelsea interested in Murillo who will leave Forest in Summerpublished at 07:21 GMT 16 February
07:21 GMT 16 February
Chelsea along with Liverpool are showing interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, who is set to leave the club this summer. (Teamtalk), external
David: Game was never in doubt. Delap recovered well from a terrible first half to play well. But how has he not scored - such a schoolboy error. You're told not to stop until you hear the whistle. Into the next round - job done!
Nick: My three key takeaways… First, Chelsea focused for 90-plus minutes for a change, and didn't switch off once comfortably ahead. Secondly, Neto showed his versatility by playing as a number 10, winger and - of course - goalscorer. Thirdly, Delap did well to recover from his earlier brain-freeze to set up three gift-wrapped assists. It was an exceptionally good centre-forward performance after that lapse. Oh, and well done Hull City for dealing so swiftly with the homophobic chanting.
Raymond: I'm surprised no-one's mentioned Sarr. He's just what we've been looking for - someone comfortable on the ball and he never seemed rushed. I think getting him back was a good move.
Jack: Got the job done... eventually. Good to see Santos becoming a consistent member of the squad and some promising performances from Sarr and Derry. Unfortunately, Garnacho is stuck in a rut and doesn't offer much at all. This should have been a chance for him to impress - but it was the opposite.
Keith: A good, strong, solid second half. Apart from the three chances in the first half, I was falling asleep - this passing the ball about at the back is slow and very boring. Move the ball quickly and you get the results.
James: Good all-round performance, Neto was outstanding and Estevao is a special talent. Good attitude from Delap and three assists - he just needs a few goals to get up and running.
George: Terrific show from the whole team. Hopefully the good cup run will continue all the way to Wembley.
'Delap is like a throwback, he can do anything'published at 12:40 GMT 14 February
12:40 GMT 14 February
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Liam Delap has started just two of Chelsea's last nine Premier League games, but was handed a chance by Liam Rosenior, with in-form forward Joao Pedro dropping to the bench.
And despite Delap's misjudgement, the Blues boss praised the forward for his response and part in the success.
The ball he played to Neto for the opening goal in the 40th minute was the first pass he had completed in the final third, having lost possession eight times beforehand.
His second assist for Estevao came after some brilliant hold-up play, while he teed up Neto for the second time at the MKM Stadium with a powerful drive into the box.
Rosenior called Delap's performance "top" and said: "To be a number nine, especially in a system that we play, it's not always about yourself.
"It's about bringing other people into play. It's about sometimes making sacrifice runs so other players get the space."
And former Blackburn and Newcastle striker Shearer added: "Delap recovered well from that start and has been instrumental in the win. He deserves a lot of credit for that."
Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes Delap can "replicate that in the Premier League".
"I think Liam Delap's game was brilliant," he told BBC One. "What I liked about it, is when Hull set up in this five, Delap was thinking if he could get into the space."
While Delap must wait for his next goal, former Spurs and Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown added on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Delap can do anything. He is like a throwback and is that all-around number nine.
"He is very effective when he is on his game. He is good in the air, he can hold the ball up well, he can defend and he can finish.
"I think he is another outlet. Chelsea now have a plan B if they want to use it and that could be an option."
Hull City 0-4 Chelsea: What Rosenior and Delap saidpublished at 22:15 GMT 13 February
22:15 GMT 13 February
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, speaking to BBC Sport: "I was delighted with the players' application and attitude in the first half. It was a difficult game. We've had some good 90 minutes. Obviously, you want every minute of every game to be perfect. There is a lot of things we can improve, but in terms of our start together, I am delighted with it.
"Pedro Neto has been outstanding. He works so hard and he has so much quality. I am delighted to see him get the goals he got. Everyone worked really, really hard for each other.
"The most pleasing aspect was the mentality. They were a credit to the club. It was a really strong performance in terms of the mental application you need to be successful."
Enjoyed coming back to former club Hull? "I had over 20 of my family here. This club means a lot, not just to me but also my family, for many reasons. I really appreciate the reception I got from the club and it was nice to get a good reception from both sets of fans."
Chelsea striker Liam Delap, speaking to TNT Sports: "We came here with one task and that was to win. We showed we can battle and also play some good football, so we are happy.
"Pedro Neto is an incredible player. He is playing in a position he is not even used to but he showed his quality."
On the chance he had in the first half: "I swear on my life, I almost ran off. I thought it went in and was waiting for the referee to blow his whistle. It was silly from me, but I thought it was in."
Media caption,
Did you know?
Pedro Neto scored his first senior career hat-trick, while it was the first by a Chelsea player in an FA Cup match since Tammy Abraham in January 2021 against Luton Town.
Estevao Willian has seven goals for Chelsea in 2025-26 - the most by a teenager for the club in a season in the Premier League era.
Chelsea have won all nine of their FA Cup ties against Hull City, which is the most ties played by one team against another with a 100% success rate in FA Cup history. They reached the final in the previous three seasons they eliminated the Tigers (1999-00, 2017-18 and 2019-20).
Since Liam Rosenior took over, the Blues have won the joint most games of any side in Europe's top five leagues (eight of 11).
Analysis: FA Cup offers chance of domestic dream for Roseniorpublished at 22:15 GMT 13 February
22:15 GMT 13 February
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Since last etching their name on a domestic trophy in 2018, Chelsea have won every European trophy on offer, as well as the Fifa Club World Cup last summer.
That last piece of domestic silverware was the FA Cup, which they won eight years ago under the guidance of Italian Antonio Conte.
After falling at the semi-final stage of the Carabao Cup this season to Arsenal, the FA Cup could present an opportunity for Liam Rosenior to land a first prize as Chelsea boss.
With the talent at his disposal and strength in depth - the Blues made seven changes from the side that drew with Leeds on Tuesday in the Premier League against Leeds - they will be among the favourites.
Talisman Cole Palmer was left at home, while Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro were among the substitutes.
Yet the Blues could still have been 3-0 up inside the opening 20 minutes with Estevao and Caicedo shining.
Once Neto struck a sumptuous opener, Hull City - who had won just one of their 35 previous games against Chelsea in all competitions - came under constant pressure.
Liam Delap, who was on loan at Hull in the 2023-24 campaign, impressively put his earlier misjudgement behind him to tee up his team-mates for further strikes.
With the Premier League title beyond them and out of the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup offers Chelsea a perfect route to Wembley and end their wait for domestic silverware.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Hull v Chelsea" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Wrexham v Ipswich".
Sutton's predictions: Hull City v Chelseapublished at 11:14 GMT 13 February
11:14 GMT 13 February
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is really well thought of by Hull City fans from his time in charge there, and he is a former Tigers player as well.
So, he should get a great reception there on Friday night, but what he really needs is a win - especially after letting a two-goal lead slip against Leeds on Tuesday.
Rosenior has had some great results with Chelsea but it seems some fans aren't convinced by him. He will be desperate to prove them wrong by winning a trophy and the FA Cup is a great opportunity for him to do that this season.
Hull are going well in the Championship under Sergej Jakirovic but I just see Chelsea being too strong for them.
I scored for Chelsea against Hull in the FA Cup, many years ago. We won 6-1 that day and the Blues are going to win comfortably this time too.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among the Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Club Brugge and Serbia midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic, 20. (Teamtalk), external
'Too sensible and you won't get the big gigs' - has punditry gone too far?published at 06:19 GMT 13 February
06:19 GMT 13 February
Image source, Getty Images
Recently, Liverpool and the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said former players-turned-pundits have a responsibility when discussing the performances of the current generation of footballers.
He believes they can stray into "clickbait" and have a possible impact on players' mental health.
On Thursday's episode of the More than the Score podcast, former Scotland international Pat Nevin and chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf Marcel van der Kraan join John Bennett to discuss and analyse the modern world of punditry and the impact it can have on players and managers alike.
"As a player you do tend to take it to heart, especially when it feels a little personal," said Nevin.
"Generally, it isn't personal and the pundit is just having their opinion and we all kind of know where the lines are. But, the lines have been jumped over more often in recent years and I think Van Dijk is right about that.
"Because of the clickbait, it is so much easier to get more likes, views and work if you're a little bit more extreme. Ex-players aren't stupid and they know that. If you are too sensible and sit on the fence you won't get the big gigs.
"You have a dichotomy. Most ex-players would like to be balanced but they know if they are too balanced and sensible they won't be there next week.
"My criticism would always be constructive criticism which is explained. One-dimensional labeling of players should never happen. Sometimes if a big name says something enough it becomes accepted wisdom."
Van der Kraan added: "There are two different kinds of pundits; those who need to be on every week and those who are genuinely focused on what is right and what players should do.
"For Van Dijk, after so many years enough is enough.
"It all started after he came into the Netherlands team and became a big player at Liverpool. The first ex-player to really criticise him was Marco van Basten, saying he was not a leader. Van Dijk was biting his lip after every match because it became a bit of a stigma.
"Eventually it filtered to England and every time he had a bad game it became an open nerve."
Image source, Getty Images
