Chelsea dealt fresh blow as summer signing ruled out for at least three months after undergoing surgery on thigh injury

Said fitness setback, which was picked up while on international duty with the Portugal U21 squad, has forced the 20-year-old midfielder to undergo an operation. It was determined that surgery was required after a full medical assessment.

The Athletic reports on how Essugo is expected to be sidelined until 2026. He made three appearances for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup after joining from Sporting in an £18.5 million ($25m) transfer.

The Blues had drafted Essugo in to provide cover for Moises Caicedo, allowing the all-action Ecuadorian to be rested and rotated as his hectic workload for club and country is carefully managed. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca must now revise those plans.

Essugo posted on Instagram after picking up the knock: “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.”

Chelsea have already lost England international defender Levi Colwill to cruciate knee ligament damage, which is expected to keep him sidelined for much of the season, while Liam Delap could be out until November with a hamstring complaint.