Chelsea’s have suffered another injury setback after midfielder Dario Essugo picked up a thigh problem while away with Portugal’s Under-21s. The Blues, already without several key players including Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, will now be sweating on the youngster’s fitness ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford after the conclusion of the international break.
Chelsea confirm fresh injury blow with Dario Essugo sidelinedBlues already missing Palmer, Colwill, Lavia, Delap and BadiashileSetback adds pressure ahead of Brentford Premier League clashFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Essugo, who joined Chelsea from Sporting CP in June for £18.5 million, has been serving as an understudy to Moises Caicedo and was pushing for more minutes this season. He has so far only featured as a substitute at the Club World Cup. With injuries galore at Chelsea so far, it was expected that he would get minutes in the Premier League. However, the Portuguese FA has now confirmed that Essugo has suffered a muscle issue.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT PORTUGAL FA'S STATEMENT READ
The Portugal FA released a statement which read: “The Chelsea midfielder was excused from training due to a muscle problem in his right thigh, which he suffered after training. The athlete was evaluated by the Portuguese Football Federation’s Health and Performance Department and was declared unavailable.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea’s injury problems continue to mount, leaving Enzo Maresca short on depth. Colwill is already out long-term, while Palmer, Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap and Benoit Badiashile are also sidelined. Essugo’s absence could force the Blues to dig deeper into the squad if he isn't fit to at least feature on the bench against Brentford.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Chelsea face Brentford in a west London derby this weekend and will assess Essugo’s condition before then. The Blues hope his setback is only short-term as they manage a growing fitness crisis. Maresca’s squad depth will be tested further if the midfielder is ruled out for longer.