As reported on Wednesday, Delap has lost his number nine shirt to Joao Pedro, who outshone him for much of last season after arriving from Brighton in the same transfer window.
That change followed the Englishman’s move into a group of about 12 players who train separately—though still alongside new manager Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad—at Cobham.
From Alonso’s perspective, it is a logical step given the challenge of handling a squad of around 40 players while preparing for his first competitive game at Fulham in the Premier League on Monday.
Even so, it was a setback for those with uncertain futures who had previously remained involved with the main training group.
The revised setup is intended to keep these players close to the first team. Chelsea say the system is flexible, noting that new arrivals Jordan Henderson and Welbeck are building fitness with the second group despite both being in Alonso’s plans.
Chelsea were among the clubs to operate a so-called “bomb squad” last season, effectively isolating players including Raheem Sterling and Disasi. They trained on a separate pitch, in a different part of the training ground, and at different times from the first team.
Several of those players publicly criticised their treatment, while the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) warned Chelsea about the practice.
Fifa has since banned that approach.
Chelsea add that keeping the current group close to the first team—using the same gym, changing rooms and dining areas—reflects a reassessment of what previously went wrong.
The club is eager to address wider cultural concerns that some sources have described as creating a “soulless” or “transactional” behind-the-scenes atmosphere.
Delap is not the only player with an uncertain future. Also in the secondary group are Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson and defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
Tosin has likewise seen his number four shirt go to new midfield signing Valentin Barco.