Chelsea have taken advantage of UEFA’s new injury replacement rule to make a late adjustment to their Champions League squad.
The new regulation allows clubs to replace long-term injured players up until matchday six, ensuring squads remain fairly balanced.
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UEFA explained the update was designed to prevent reduced squad lists and safeguard players from excessive workload pressure throughout the competition.
Chelsea acted swiftly after Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo suffered a thigh injury on international duty, ruling him out for twelve weeks.
Essugo underwent surgery and will miss the group stage, creating the opportunity for the Blues to add another registered player.
Facundo Buonanotte Gets Champions League Lifeline
In response, Chelsea registered Facundo Buonanotte, who arrived on loan from Brighton this summer but was initially omitted from the squad.
Buonanotte had expressed excitement about the Champions League upon signing, calling it a “great challenge” and an important career milestone.
The Argentinian midfielder was left disappointed when Chelsea’s first squad list favored Essugo instead, delaying his European competition debut with the club.
However, Essugo’s injury opened the door, allowing Buonanotte to finally realize his dream of representing Chelsea on the Champions League stage, reports Talk Sport.
Buonanotte debuted domestically in a 2-2 draw against Brentford, but struggled to impress before being substituted at halftime by Enzo Maresca.
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