Liam Rosenior has given an update on the fitness of Dario Essugo ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
The midfielder has not played a single game for Chelsea this season because of injury.
No Enzo Fernandez in our Starting XI!
What do you think, Blues?
However, Essugo was seen in training during the week in a boost to the Blues. Romeo Lavia is another midfielder who has had fitness issues in the current campaign, but he was able to make the bench for his side’s 1-1 draw with Burnley last Saturday.
Liam Rosenior confirms Dario Essugo will miss Emirates trip
Lavia recently played in an Under-21 game, so the Belgian could be available for the Arsenal match. Essugo, on the other hand, looks set to miss out.
Discussing Essugo in his pre-match press conference, Rosenior told Bobby Vincent and other reporters: “He’s not yet [fit enough]. He’s doing modified training, he’s back in, he’s done a few sessions with us which is great but he is not what you would say 100% fit to be part of the squad.”
Dario Essugo gestures during SE Palmeiras v Chelsea FC: Quarter Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are the midfield options that Rosenior will definitely have available.
Caicedo will be expected to start in the middle of the park, but Fernandez could be deployed in a more advanced position, while Reece James plays next to the former.
James was substituted during Chelsea’s draw with Burnley, but Rosenior stated after the game that he was just managing his captain’s minutes and wanted to ensure he would be fresh for this Sunday’s London derby.
Things do not get any easier for Rosenior’s side after their trip to north London. Next week, they face Aston Villa at Villa Park, with Unai Emery’s team looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.
How are we calling Arsenal bottlers? 🤦♂️
What does Liam Rosenior need to do to change this?
Chelsea's dropped points from winning positions at home this season
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
The Blues need a positive result as they try to chase Villa down in the race for Champions League qualification.
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