Chelsea midfielder Dario Essugo returns to training | OneFootball

Dario Essugo is back in training as Chelsea prepare for this weekend’s clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues were looking light in midfield following the injury to Romeo Lavia, while Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have been playing with knocks.

Chelsea now have Cole Palmer and Essugo back, and their return will be a welcome boost for manager Enzo Maresca.

Maresca confirmed that Palmer, who has not played since mid-September, is available for the clash with the Gunners, and could start the game before touching on Essugo.

He said (via Chelsea’s official website): “We are looking okay (after Barcelona). Essugo also took part in the session this morning, which is good news too.”

Essugo will likely not feature against Arsenal. However, Maresca might give the Portugal Under-21 ace some game time when Chelsea face Leeds on Wednesday.

Chelsea will be cautious with Essugo, especially with Andrey Santos thriving as the primary understudy in the double pivot.

The promising former Sporting CP midfielder may not have Lavia’s ball progression, but he is a powerful tackler and a stern rearguard protector.

With the 20-year-old easing back into the fold, the club’s January transfer window plans could also shift.

There had been murmurs of Chelsea dipping back into the market for midfield reinforcements in January.

However, if Essugo builds his fitness and sharpness over the next few weeks, Maresca may feel he has enough depth to navigate the rest of the season without additions.