Maresca explained Delap will have to compete with fellow striker Nicolas Jackson to earn a starting place and refused to say whether he will start at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Supporters, players and management would usually expect to be on the beach this month instead of focusing on a full-blown club tournament.

Flamengo are likely to be the toughest opponents that Chelsea will face in the group phase, with the Brazilian club currently top of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.