Benoit Badisahille and Romeo Lavia are also yet to play a part this season after picking up injuries at the Club World Cup whilst Cole Palmer and Liam Delap also picked up knocks prior to the international break.
Levi Colwill also suffered an ACL injury earlier this season as manager Enzo Maresca attempt to deal with an injury crisis that only worsens as The Blues confirm that 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.”
The £18.5M summer signing’s injury could not have come at a worse time as Maresca prepares to rotate his side for the Champions League. 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.”