Essugo’s injury opens door for Buonanotte in Chelsea’s Champions League campaign

Facundo Buonanotte has been officially added to Chelsea’s Champions League squad in place of Dario Essugo, who suffered a thigh injury while with Portugal’s Under-21s and required surgery last week.

The club confirmed Essugo’s omission and Buonanotte’s registration under the updated Article 31.14 C of UEFA’s Champions League regulations. Essugo joined Chelsea from Sporting CP in the summer and had been expected to play a key role this season.

Following his injury on international duty and subsequent medical assessment in the UK, surgery was deemed necessary, ruling Essugo out for the foreseeable future. Buonanotte, who arrived at Chelsea on loan from Brighton, now receives a chance to make his mark on Europe’s biggest stage.

The Argentine midfielder had initially missed out on the Champions League squad but is now set for a major debut opportunity with the Blues. Chelsea begin the league phase of their Champions League campaign away to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena tomorrow night.