Enzo Maresca will be so glad he still has ‘talented’ youngster after bad news coming out of Chelsea

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Enzo Maresca and Chelsea have been dealt a fresh injury blow during this international break.

Heading into this round of international fixtures, Chelsea were already without Cole Palmer and Liam Delap.

Thankfully, Palmer’s injury is not too serious, but the one that his teammate has just picked up is.

Considering that, then, Maresca will be glad that another one of his stars was not sold during the summer transfer window.

• READ MORE: Chelsea star set to make just second start for his country in extreme conditions

Andrey Santos will soften Dario Essugo blow

Despite interest from Saudi Arabia, Andrey Santos remained at Chelsea, and his decision to do so could now really benefit the Blues following Dario Essugo‘s injury.

Essugo was brought in from Sporting Lisbon in June and was earmarked as an alternative to Moises Caicedo.

However, the midfielder picked up a thigh injury while with the Portugal Under-21 team and is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

While Al-Qadsiah wanted Santos, the Brazilian was not keen on a move to the Saudi Pro League, and Chelsea’s stance has always been that they want him to be part of Maresca’s first-team squad. It is easy to understand why, as he has proven to be a top midfielder over the last year.

Santos was excellent for Strasbourg last season while on loan at the French club. He looked like the complete midfielder, offering plenty in defence and attack.

All in all, the 21-year-old Brazil international is about to become even more valuable to this Chelsea side.

He has not had too many opportunities to prove himself at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea legend Ramires is already a fan of him. Ramires recently described Santos as a “talented midfielder” while discussing his compatriot in an interview.

Chelsea release update on Dario Essugo injury

There is no time frame for Essugo’s return, but Chelsea have confirmed that the 20-year-old has undergone surgery.

On Tuesday afternoon, Chelsea’s official club website posted: “Midfielder Dario Essugo has undergone successful surgery today on his thigh. 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.”

With Romeo Lavia also having his own injury problems this term, it looks like Santos could be the first man to be called upon if anything happens to Caicedo or Fernandez.