Chelsea face a big moment this week: their Champions League campaign is about to start, and squad changes are forcing options. A recent rule change by UEFA has given them a chance to adjust their roster after serious injury proves too troublesome to ignore. They switched Essugo for Buonanotte due to injury issues. This could alter their shape and momentum early in Europe’s top club competition.
Essugo Out, Buonanotte In
Dario Essugo will miss at least 12 weeks after suffering a thigh injury on Portugal U-21 duty. He returned to the UK, and scans showed surgery was needed. Chelsea confirmed the procedure and his absence.
In response, the club have replaced him with Facundo Buonanotte in their Champions League squad. Buonanotte’s signing on loan from Brighton in the summer was a good move. He had not made the original list, but now gets a spot.
The New UEFA Rule That Let Chelsea Act
UEFA updated its rules for the 2025-26 season. Clubs in Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League can now make one replacement in their Squad A list if a player has a long-term injury or illness. The change applies till the sixth matchday of the league phase (in December). Chelsea used this clause to swap Essugo for Buonanotte.
What This Means for Chelsea
Buonanotte now has a chance to feature in Europe’s top competition earlier than expected. It gives Chelsea more depth for matches ahead when injuries are piling up. It also shows the club is quick to adapt when things go wrong. But it places more pressure on Buonanotte to prove himself, especially with a tough match coming. The next few weeks will test how well the new rule helps—and how well Chelsea can cope without Essugo.
Author’s Insight
This move shows how rules, injury, and timing can shake up a club’s plans. Buonanotte’s inclusion isn’t just about backup—it could shape how Chelsea compete in crucial games. If he steps up—and stays sharp—the rule change might be more than just a loophole. It could become an edge.
