Dário Essugo (Chelsea/Portugal U21)
September 2025

Summer signing Dário Essugo sustained a thigh injury with Portugal U21s and has undergone surgery. He’s expected out roughly three months, potentially into early 2026, after three Club World Cup appearances since his £18.5m move from Sporting. Essugo was intended cover to ease Moisés Caicedo’s workload. Enzo Maresca must now redistribute minutes—think Gallagher deeper, Lavia ramp-up, or academy promotion—while January midfield planning gains urgency if setbacks occur. Squad balance takes a short-term hit.