Chelsea are currently struggling with injuries throughout the squad, however one player may have already played his last game of this calendar year.
Enzo Maresca will have had everything crossed that he did not lose any more players due to fitness-related problems, with a number of individuals facing a race against time to face Nottingham Forest.
Cole Palmer likely won’t return until November, while the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Andrey Santos have not been seen in training despite not flying off to represent their countries.
Another player who has not been seen for a little while is Dario Essugo, after he picked up an injury whilst part of the Portugal squad for the last international break.
Dario Essugo hydrates during Esperance de Tunis v Chelsea FC: Group D - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
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Dario Essugo suffers injury setback and may not play again in 2025
It was perhaps a bad sign when Essugo was removed from the Champions League squad for the group stages of the competition, with Facundo Buonanotte replacing him in the side.
After undergoing surgery, it looks as if the problem proved to be a significant one for Essugo. According to BBC Sport, the midfielder could be out until January, putting a real dent in his progress since joining over the summer.
Chelsea signed Essugo to provide cover for Moises Caicedo, after he emerged as one of the first names on the teamsheet under Maresca.
He is likely to remain in the side for the foreseeable future, making Ecuador’s gesture to leave him out of their most recent international squad even more important.
Enzo Maresca looks on during Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
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Maresca’s midfield nightmare is growing
After the injury problems the Blues had been hit by before the international break got underway, the temporary cease of Chelsea games has still seen one of their players suffer an issue.
Enzo Fernandez left the Argentina squad after the first game of their break due to a knee problem, putting his place in the side in doubt for their return to action against Forest.
The chance could now crop up for Romeo Lavia to start his first Premier League game of the season, with him still proving to be a crucial player for the manager when he is fit.
Unfortunately, this has not been often enough since his move from Southampton, although there is new hope that he can put together a string of appearances in wake of the recent injury crisis around him.