Enzo Maresca has confirmed Dario Essugo trained for the first time since he suffered a thigh injury whilst on international duty.
The midfielder joined the Blues from Sporting Lisbon in the summer and made his debut at the Club World Cup, but he’s yet to appear in the Premier League.
Essugo underwent surgery on a thigh injury he suffered whilst with the Portugal under-21s back in September, and hasn’t been seen since.
Enzo Maresca provides Dario Essugo update
The 20-year-old was signed as an alternative to Moises Caicedo in the squad, and he’s showed glimpses of what he can do in the limited first team appearances he’s made.
Essugo was expected to be out for 12 weeks, but it had been reported he might not return until the New Year, but Maresca has provided a positive update.
Dario Essugo in action for Chelsea against Bayer Leverkusen.
Essugo is yet to make his Premier League debut. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
“Dario Essugo took part in the session this morning, good news,” he told his pre-match press conference.
With Palmer now fit and available it means the only injuries Chelsea currently have are Levi Colwill and Essugo, but it looks like the midfielder could return to action soon.
The timing couldn’t be better with Chelsea heading into a busy festive period, and with Maresca likely to make a number of changes, every player is going to be important.
Cole Palmer fit to start in further good news
The update on Essugo wasn’t the only positive news, with Maresca confirming Cole Palmer is fit and ready to start against Arsenal.
Palmer has been sidelined since September with a groin injury, and missed the Barcelona game due to a fractured toe.
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Andrey Santos in action against Burnley.
A flag flying at Stamford Bridge.
The England international’s return is a huge boost for Chelsea, and it comes at a crucial time of the season, where the Blues are going to need as many players available as possible.
Even though Palmer is ready to start it would be a shock if he was thrown straight back into the team, and it’s more than likely he’ll find himself on the bench, and will be eased back into action by Maresca.