Player confirms Chelsea injury blow as surgery decision made

Chelsea have been dealt a tough injury blow as they prepare to face Brentford this weekend.

Chelsea have been dealt another injury blow as they prepare to make the short trip to Brentford for a West London derby on Saturday. The Blues have had a solid start to the season, picking up seven points from their first three games, a start only bettered by Liverpool so far.

Maresca has been dealt a blow | Getty Images

placeholder image — Maresca has been dealt a blow | Getty Images

Enzo Maresca will be pleased with what he has seen, and he now has the help of two new signings in Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte, who arrived late in the window ahead of the international window taking centre stage.

Brentford will be tricky customers, and Chelsea will have to take on their local rivals without midfielder Dario Essugo, who has been dealt a further blow after picking up an injury during the international break.

Essugo was sent home by Portugal under-21s during the international window after picking up a thigh injury, and after further assessment, it was decided that he would require surgery, according to The Athletic.

The report claims the surgery will keep Essugo out for up to 12 weeks, which means he will be out until early in 2026. The 20-year-old was expected to be a key squad player this season, offering depth and cover for Moises Caicedo over the course of a busy season that will see Chelsea compete in the Champions League.

Essugo took to social media after picking up the injury, posting on Instagram: “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, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I’ll be back stronger.”

Essugo will join long-term absentees Liam Delap and Levi Colwill in the treatment room, adding to a tricky start to the season when it comes to injuries for Chelsea. Romeo Lavia will be the main alternative for Caicedo, while Enzo Fernandez can also play there, albeit Maresca prefers him playing a little forward.

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