Second Chelsea signing hit by SERIOUS injury after Liam Delap blow

Chelsea’s injury problems are already mounting less than a month into the new season, with Enzo Maresca hit by a second problem after receiving bad news about Liam Delap on Tuesday.

The Blues were busy in the summer transfer market as they made 10 major signings, yet the Stamford Bridge side saw Delap go down with a hamstring issue against Fulham.

He faces at least 10 weeks on the sidelines, which will cause him to sit out a minimum of 12 games for the Blues, including big-ticket clashes against Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.

It was a problem that caused late mayhem in the transfer market, prompting Marc Guiu to be recalled from his loan at Sunderland and even threatening to derail Nicolas Jackson’s ultimately completed move to Bayern Munich.

Joao Pedro, another new arrival, is set to replace Delap at the forefront of the Chelsea attack, with the former Brighton star having made an impressive start to life in West London.

Dario Essugo announces injury blow

Chelsea now face a new selection concern, though. Dario Essugo suffered a thigh injury with the Portugal U21 side and has required surgery.

Taking to Instagram, the 20-year-old midfielder, who was signed for €22.3m from Sporting CP, declared: “Unfortunately, during this international break with the National Team I felt something in my thigh that required surgery and 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.”

It is unclear how long Essugo, who has yet to make his Premier League debut for the Blues, faces on the sidelines, though his absence is unlikely to be felt as keenly as that of Delap.

On loan at Las Palmas last season, he missed only one game due to injury.

Delap was one of the well-wishers on Essugo’s Instagram feed, replying to his message with a heart emoji.

Chelsea will hope to see both back on the field as soon as possible.

Football transfer news headlines today

Real Madrid move for €40m star is a ‘SURE THING’ as major contract announcement made

Chelsea agree contract terms to sign world-class goalkeeper

‘Ruben Amorim to be sacked before Christmas’

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store