Chelsea have confirmed that Dario Essugo has had surgery on a thigh injury he suffered on Portugal Under-21s duty.
The £18.5million summer signing felt a “muscle problem in his right thigh” during training, the Portuguese Football Federations revealed this week.
Essugo is viewed inside Chelsea as the natural understudy for Moises Caicedo, but now begins a period of recovery.
The midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Sporting in June, faces an unspecified period of time out.
On Tuesday, Chelsea released a statement revealing Essugo had undergone surgery.
“Midfielder Dario Essugo has undergone successful surgery today on his thigh,” read the statement.
“The 20-year-old sustained the injury whilst on international duty for Portugal's Under-21s.
“Medical assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action and Dario will now begin his recovery at Cobham, supported by the club's medical department.”
Essugo posted a photo of himself sat upright and smiling after his successful surgery.
He wrote: “Unfortunately, during this international break with the National Team I felt something in my thigh that will keep me out for a while.
“It’s frustrating to start the season like this, especially after already facing another setback not long ago. But I truly believe everything happens for a reason. God has a bigger plan. I’ll be back stronger.”
Essugo has been named on the bench for each of Chelsea’s first three Premier League games.
His only three appearances for the club came as a substitute at Club World Cup over the summer.
