Estevao has yet to start a Premier League match for Chelsea in the 2026/27 season, with new head coach Xabi Alonso reportedly concerned about the Brazilian's physicality and fitness.
The 19-year-old is in his second full season with the Blues and played a consistent role under three different head coaches last campaign, scoring eight goals in 36 appearances, 20 of which were starts. However, his playing time has diminished since Alonso's summer appointment.
Of Chelsea's 11 matches this campaign, Estevao has been involved in just eight and started twice, both times in the Carabao Cup. He has impressed in his substitute cameos and has been a mainstay for Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil, earning another call-up on Thursday, less than 24 hours after his omission from the Chelsea team to face Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Falling Down the Pecking Order
Concerns have grown over how quickly Estevao has dropped in the pecking order. With Joao Pedro injured ahead of the derby clash with Tottenham, Premier League debutant Geovany Quenda pipped him to a starting spot. As Chelsea chased a late winner at Anfield, another debutant, Emmanuel Emegha, was sent on while Estevao remained on the bench.
Alonso has given little away when explaining his hesitance to use Estevao, which has become a prominent talking point as Chelsea's results dip. Against Liverpool, he cited the need to use three substitutions for Moises Caicedo, Malo Gusto and Maxence Lacroix, who had issues of varying severity.
Physicality and Injury Concerns
Alonso has suggested Estevao lacks the physicality to compete in the upper reaches of English football and is still feeling the effects of a serious hamstring injury suffered in the spring. "Yes, we know that the Premier League and the game in England is really intense," he said. "You need to be up for it. Este has played, for sure, it's his second season. But he had the injury and he's in that process."
Speaking in early September, Alonso also revealed he had held talks with Estevao regarding his lack of minutes. Chelsea's elimination from the Carabao Cup will likely further reduce Estevao's opportunities. The fine early-season form of Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto likely contributed to his limited minutes, but injury and suspension has shaken up the established attacking order.
Loan Speculation and Alonso's Response
The club continues to tout Estevao as one of the most exciting attacking talents in Europe and recently released a documentary about him, but reports have emerged suggesting he is growing frustrated with his situation. He has been linked with a loan exit in January, but Alonso insists he will not let that happen and that opportunities to impress will come.
"Yeah, sure, he will play," the Spaniard said. "The season is long and there will be moments for everyone. It's a process for the team, for Este, for myself, but I'm sure that in the season he will have his games, his minutes. And we are still early in the season, but he will be there. Yeah, it's not about attitude. It's been about the context of games, it's been about the start of the season, and he's a great guy. He really wants his adaptation after the first year of injury, but we are still in October and he will be important."
It remains to be seen whether Alonso will deliver on that promise.
