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.”