Dario Essugo has been very honest following his first appearance of the season for Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea beat Wrexham 4-2 in the FA Cup fifth round, with Essugo coming on in the second half.
Because of injury, it was his first minutes of the campaign and only his fourth game for the Blues. The other three all came at last year’s Club World Cup.
Dario Essugo gestures during SE Palmeiras v Chelsea FC: Quarter Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Dario Essugo admits injuries have been tough to deal with
It has not been easy for Essugo, something that the midfielder has admitted. However, he is now feeling great after getting some minutes on Saturday and helping Chelsea to win the game.
It was his cross that Alejandro Garnacho volleyed home to put the Conference League holders 3-2 up on the night before the 20-year-old went on to assist Joao Pedro.
What would you do with Romeo Lavia after all of his injury problems? 🤕
His passing numbers against Wrexham in the FA Cup were solid 👌
Romeo Lavia's passing stats vs Wrexham
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Speaking to Chelsea’s official club website after the FA Cup game, Essugo said: “Of course, it is a very good feeling because it was a very tough moment. At a new club, a new experience, but for me, it’s very good to be back.
“Since the first day I got the injuries I had, I’ve had to wait but now I’m back and I feel very good.”
Essugo was actually in training even before Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal at the start of the month. But the Portuguese was not deemed fit enough to feature in it.
Dario Essugo’s stats against Wrexham
You can understand why Essugo is so happy right now. The Portugal Under-21 international has made his comeback and was able to make a huge impact upon his return.
At the Racecourse Ground, he provided two assists, registered two key passes and created one big chance, according to Sofascore.
What do you rate about Alejandro Garnacho’s game?
His dribbling was great against Wrexham 👏
Alejandro Garnacho dribblings stats vs Wrexham
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Essugo’s passing was also accurate. The former Sporting Lisbon man completed 53 out of the 55 passes that he attempted, giving him a pass success rate of 96%.
Chelsea have a lot of games left to play and in more than one competition, so Essugo could be a very useful player between now and the end of the season.
Fans cannot get carried away after one good cameo against a Championship outfit, but it is pretty obvious that Essugo has some very good midfield attributes. Hopefully he can now stay fit and show that in some more matches.
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