Chelsea have suffered their third ‘significant injury’ blow of the season with midfielder Dario Essugo reportedly feared to be ruled out until 2026.
The Blues are already without defender Levi Colwill, who is likely be ruled out for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign after surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Chelsea striker Liam Delap, meanwhile, is expected to be sidelined for 10 weeks as a result of the hamstring injury he suffered against Fulham.
The west London club are now set to be without Essugo, who arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer in a £18.5m move from Sporting CP.
Chelsea fear Essugo will be sidelined for a minimum of 12 weeks after an operation on a thigh injury, The Athletic reported on Thursday.
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The ‘significant injury’ means the 20-year-old may not be available for selection until 2026.
Essugo, who has played three games for Chelsea since his summer move, picked up the injury while on international duty with Portugal U21s.
‘Unfortunately, during this international break with the national team I felt something in my thigh that will keep me out for a while,’ Essugo posted on Instagram.
‘It’s frustrating to start the season like this, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I’ll be back stronger.’
Chelsea signed Essugo as a back-up for Moises Caicedo to help manage the former Brighton star’s workload during the 2025-26 season.
Essugo predominately plays as a holding midfielder but can operate as a No.8 too.
The Chelsea star has been capped at every youth level for Portugal from U15s to U21s.
Prior to joining Chelsea, Essugo played for Sporting in the Champions League and the Europa League.
He became Sporting’s youngest ever player in 2021, aged 16 years and six days.
Essugo has signed a long-term contract with Chelsea, keeping him at Stamford Bridge until 2033.
‘Everything here is very good,’ Essugo said after joining the club. ‘It’s a different experience.
‘The environment and my team-mates help me a lot. I am learning with the coach, the players, the midfielders here. It is a different level.
‘The players are amazing. Enzo [Maresca] has a different idea of football, like all the managers, but I always try to catch what he wants.’
