Chelsea register Facundo Buonanotte for the Champions League, taking advantage of UEFA’s new injury-replacement rule after Dário Essugo’s thigh surgery. The Argentine talent joins the squad ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Bayern Munich.
Facundo Buonanotte has been officially added to Chelsea’s Champions League squad, taking the place of Dário Essugo, who suffered a serious setback while on international duty with Portugal’s Under-21 side. The young midfielder was forced to undergo surgery on his right thigh after sustaining an injury, leaving Chelsea with no choice but to reshuffle their European roster.
The switch was made possible thanks to a newly introduced UEFA regulation that allows clubs to replace an injured player during the league phase of the Champions League. Announced only last week, the rule states that substitutions to the squad list are permitted up until the sixth matchday, provided the outgoing player is sidelined due to injury. However, from January onwards – when the final two fixtures of the league phase are played no such changes will be allowed. The measure has been welcomed by many clubs across Europe, as it provides greater flexibility and protects teams from being disadvantaged by long-term injuries to key players. Chelsea have now become one of the first high-profile clubs to take advantage of this adjustment.
For Buonanotte, the registration marks a significant moment in his budding career. The 19-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, where he had begun to make his mark in the Premier League. A highly creative player with sharp technical ability and vision, he is regarded as one of Argentina’s most promising young talents. His move to Chelsea was seen as both a chance for him to gain valuable experience at the highest level and an opportunity for the Blues to add depth to their squad during a season in which they aim to compete on multiple fronts.
Buonanotte now has the opportunity to test himself on the biggest stage of all: the Champions League. Being included in the squad not only increases his chances of gaining valuable minutes in Europe’s top competition but also highlights the trust manager Enzo Maresca and the Chelsea staff have in his potential. For a teenager still adjusting to life in England, this rapid progression represents an exciting step forward.
The player he replaces, Dário Essugo, is another highly rated youngster, but his injury represents a cruel twist of fate. The Portuguese midfielder had impressed for the U21 national team before his setback, and Chelsea had high hopes for his integration into the first team during the season. Instead, his surgery and subsequent rehabilitation mean a lengthy spell on the sidelines, removing him from contention for both club and country. The timing of UEFA’s new rule has therefore been crucial, allowing Chelsea to act swiftly and ensure they retain the squad depth necessary to navigate the group phase of the competition.
Chelsea’s immediate challenge in the Champions League is as tough as it gets: an away trip to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday. The clash at the Allianz Arena brings together two European giants with contrasting recent fortunes. Bayern, perennial Bundesliga champions, remain one of the most feared sides in the tournament, while Chelsea are seeking to rebuild under new leadership after a turbulent couple of seasons. The inclusion of Buonanotte may not mean he will start against Bayern, but his presence on the bench offers Maresca another attacking option should the game require fresh energy and creativity.
This development also raises intriguing questions about Chelsea’s long-term strategy with young players. Over the past two transfer windows, the club has consistently targeted promising talents from around the world, often integrating them into the first-team environment sooner than expected. Buonanotte’s addition to the Champions League squad fits this pattern, signaling Chelsea’s intent not just to compete now but to build a squad with future potential firmly in mind.
As Chelsea prepare to take on Bayern, the spotlight will inevitably be on more established stars, but the presence of Buonanotte could provide a subplot worth watching. For the teenager, the chance to make his mark on Europe’s grandest stage has arrived earlier than anticipated. For Chelsea, the new UEFA rule has already proven to be a lifeline, allowing them to adapt quickly to an unfortunate injury and maintain balance in a season where every detail could prove decisive.
