Young Chelsea Defender Out for the Year Due to Injury

Chelsea’s star player Cole Palmer is back in full training, but the club faces another challenge with an injury to one of their young defenders.

Details: As reported by The Athletic, 20-year-old centre-back Dário Essugo injured his hip while playing for Portugal’s youth national team and required surgery. He is expected to be out until 2026.

Essugo joined Chelsea this summer from Sporting for €22.3 million and has played three times for the Blues in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Additionally, Chelsea has been charged by the governing body for breaking FA rules concerning agents and third-party investments in players.

Reminder: Chelsea striker Liam Delap was injured during the match against Fulham, prompting the club to reassess their transfer strategy. It’s still unclear how long Enzo Maresca will be without his new signing.