Dario Essugo supported by three Chelsea teammates as injury statement released

Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro were among those to send messages of support to Dario Essugo after the Chelsea midfielder underwent surgery on his thigh.

The 20-year-old picked up the injury while training with the Portugal U21 squad last week and he now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. "The Chelsea midfielder was excused from training due to a muscle problem in his right thigh, which he suffered after training on Monday," the Portuguese FF wrote.

"The athlete was evaluated by the Portuguese Football Federation's Health and Performance Department on Tuesday morning and was declared unavailable." Essugo, who joined Chelsea this summer in a £18.5million deal from Sporting CP, is yet to feature for the Blues this season but has been named in the matchday squad for all three of Chelsea's Premier League matches so far.

Seen as natural cover to Moises Caicedo in the heart of Enzo Maresca's midfield, the injury is a blow to the Italian ahead of what is a busy run of fixtures. In a statement released on Tuesday, Chelsea said: "Midfielder Dario Essugo has undergone successful surgery today on his thigh. The 20-year-old sustained the injury whilst on international duty for Portugal's Under-21s.

"Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action and Dario will now begin his recovery at Cobham, supported by the club's medical department."

Essugo has since taken to social media to share a picture of himself in hospital, with the midfielder insisting he will be "back stronger". He wrote on Instagram: "Unfortunately, during this international break with the National Team I felt something in my thigh that required surgery and will keep me out for a while.

"It's frustrating to start the season like this, especially after already facing another setback not long ago. But I truly believe everything happens for a reason. God has a bigger plan. I'll be back stronger."

Argentina international Enzo Fernandez took to the comments to wish his club teammate well. He said: "Let's go machine." Joao Pedro commented: "Get well soon bro." Striker Liam Delap commented a love heart emoji while Aaron Anselmino, who joined Borussia Dortmund on loan this summer, said: "You will come back better brother, stay strong."

Elsewhere, Chelsea are hoping to have Cole Palmer back for the trip to Brentford on Saturday. The Blues' talisman missed both the wins against West Ham and Fulham, pulling out of the warm-up ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, and was also absent from England's two World Cup qualifiers.

Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile have returned to training, although the match against the Bees will likely come too soon. Delap is expected to be out until November after injuring his hamstring in the 2-0 win over Fulham.

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