Chelsea’s new signing Dario Essugo may not be available for selection until 2026 after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury, potentially ruling him out for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Chelsea’s summer signing Dario Essugo is facing a lengthy absence after undergoing surgery on a thigh injury sustained while playing for Portugal’s U-21 squad. 

The 20-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Sporting CP for £18.5 million in June, may not be available for selection until 2026 due to the severity of the injury.

Essugo’s absence will be a significant blow to Chelsea, particularly given the club’s intention to use him as backup for Moises Caicedo to manage the latter’s workload. With Essugo out for an extended period, Chelsea will need to rely on other midfielders to fill the gap.

The midfielder’s injury is the latest setback for Chelsea, who have already lost defender Levi Colwill for several months due to an ACL injury. Liam Delap is also expected to be out until November, recovering from a hamstring injury picked up against Fulham. Cole Palmer is also still out injured.

Despite the setback, Essugo remains optimistic about his recovery, taking to Instagram to express his frustration and determination to return stronger. “Unfortunately, during this international break with the national team, I felt something in my thigh that will keep me out for a while,” he wrote. “It’s frustrating to start the season like this, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I’ll be back stronger.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Deivid Washington has returned from his loan spell at Brazilian club Santos, where he scored one goal in 17 appearances. Washington is preparing to feature for Brazil at the under-20 World Cup next month and is not expected to be loaned out elsewhere this month.