According to The Atheletic, Chelsea is worried that Essugo will be out for at least 12 weeks after undergoing a thigh injury, which means he may not return until 2026. Essugo was injured while accompanying Portugal U21 and was evaluated by the medical team to determine that surgery is required.

Essugo has played for the team three times after transferring from Portugal Sports to Chelsea for 18.5 million pounds in June this year (all in the Club World Cup). The deal was actually finalized three months ago.

One of the reasons why Chelsea signed Essugo was to bear the game load as a substitute for Kessedo. But Essugo is currently facing a dilemma of being unable to make a comeback before the end of the year.

Earlier this week, Essugo wrote on his personal ins: "Unfortunately, during this national team game day, I felt uncomfortable with my thighs, which will leave me alone for a while. It is frustrating to start the season in this way, but I firmly believe that everything has a reason. I will return with a stronger posture."

This is the third major injury Chelsea has suffered since the start of the new season. Defender Colville suffered an ACL injury in preseason training and will be out for months. This injury is likely to have Colville missed most of the seasons; forward Drapp won't come back until November due to a hamstring injury he suffered against Fulham.