Chelsea has used a new UEFA rule to make a change in their Champions League squad, by replacing Dario Essugo with Facundo Buonanotte. Essugo is out with a thigh injury and has had surgery. The club has said that they could sideline him for about 12 weeks.
Who is Facundo Buonanotte? Chelsea squad change
Buonanotte is a 20-year-old Argentine midfielder who plays on loan at Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion. Facundo was not at first in Chelsea’s Champions League squad. But now, the new rules change has added him in place of Essugo.
What is the rule and how Chelsea used it
UEFA recently changed rules for club competitions for the 2025-26 season. Under the new rule, a club can temporarily replace a player who is injured long term (or seriously ill) from its Champions League squad. This is valid up to the sixth match day of the group stage. Because Essugo will be out long term, Chelsea used this rule to replace him.
What happened with Essugo?
Essugo, a midfielder signed from Sporting CP, sustained an injury while playing for Portugal’s Under-21s, and after scans, doctors determined he required surgery on his thigh. Chelsea expects him to miss several weeks.
Why Facundo Buananotte is included?
Facundo Buananotte is a young prospect who has already impressed everyone in Leicester City. The 20-year-old is versatile; can play as No.10 and winger as well. This left-footed player is good in dribbling and can make good runs to score goals in final third. Buananotte has immense work rate and can play key passes in the box to create chances.
Author’s Insight:
Chelsea will begin their Champions League group stage with Buonanotte available, instead of Essugo. Their first match under this setup is against Bayern Munich. The rule helps teams cope when players have serious injuries. A team doesn’t have to be short-handed if someone else is ruled out for many weeks
