Delap was awarded the number nine shirt, but that has now gone to fellow forward Joao Pedro. This change in shirt numbers is a clear indication of Delap's reduced role at the club. BBC Football reports that Delap is one of several players now training in a separate group at Cobham, alongside other fringe players and new signings.
The players in this smaller group are training adjacent to Xabi Alonso's main squad and include defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi, as well as new signings Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. Chelsea are seeking £50m for Delap, who joined the club in a £30m move from Ipswich Town last summer but only scored one Premier League goal in 28 appearances.
The Blues are trying to reduce the size of their squad before the end of the summer transfer window, with 40 senior players on their books. Chelsea are also seeking £65m for Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson and £25m for French defender Disasi.