Dario Essugo Injury: Could be out until 2026

Essugo could be ruled out for a minimum of 12 weeks after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury, meaning he may not be available for selection until 2026, according to The Athletic.

Essugo underwent surgery on his thigh on Tuesday and Chelsea fear he will not return before 2026. The midfielder has made three appearances, all at the FIFA Club World Cup, for Chelsea since completing his move from Sporting CP in June. Essugo signed for Chelsea to provide back-up for Moises Caicedo so the latter's workload could be managed, but he is now facing a struggle to return before the end of the year.