Portuguese-Angolan midfielder Dario Essugo faces lengthy Chelsea lay-off after thigh surgery

Chelsea are bracing for an extended period without Dario Essugo after the midfielder underwent surgery on a thigh injury, with the club fearing he could be sidelined for at least 12 weeks.

The setback means the 20-year-old, signed from Sporting CP in June, may not return to action until the start of 2026, dealing a significant blow to Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield plans.

Essugo, who was born in Portugal to Angolan parents, sustained the problem while on international duty with Portugal’s under-21 team earlier this month.

After assessments by medical staff, it was decided he required an operation to correct the issue.

The highly rated youngster made three appearances for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup soon after his £18.5million move, which had been arranged three months before the summer window officially opened.

He was primarily recruited to provide depth behind Moisés Caicedo, allowing the Ecuadorian to have his workload managed across competitions. That plan is now on hold as Essugo begins a demanding rehabilitation programme.

In a message posted on Instagram earlier this week, Essugo wrote: “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.”

His absence compounds a worrying injury trend at Chelsea. Defender Levi Colwill is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during pre-season and is expected to miss much of the campaign, while striker Liam Delap is also sidelined until November after sustaining a hamstring problem against Fulham.