Chelsea have confirmed that summer signing Dario Essugo has undergone surgery on a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with Portugal’s Under-21s.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Sporting Lisbon in June for £18.5 million, felt discomfort in his right thigh during training with his national team last week. Following medical assessments, it was determined that surgery was the best course of action.
A Chelsea statement released on Tuesday read:
“Midfielder Dario Essugo has undergone successful surgery today on his thigh. The 20-year-old sustained the injury whilst on international duty for Portugal’s Under-21s. Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action and Dario will now begin his recovery at Cobham, supported by the club’s medical department.”
Essugo, considered the natural understudy to Moises Caicedo in midfield, is now set for a period of rehabilitation, with no official timeline yet given for his return.
The youngster took to social media to reassure fans after the operation, posting a smiling photo from his hospital bed alongside a heartfelt message:
“Unfortunately, during this international break with the National Team I felt something in my thigh that will keep me out for a while. It’s frustrating to start the season like this, especially after already facing another setback not long ago. But I truly believe everything happens for a reason. God has a bigger plan. I’ll be back stronger.”
Essugo had been named on the bench for Chelsea’s opening three Premier League fixtures and made his first three appearances for the club at the FIFA Club World Cup during pre-season.
The setback leaves Chelsea without one of their promising young midfield options as they continue their rebuild under Enzo Maresca.
