Chelsea’s Alonso promises Brazilian Estevão playing time
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Citizen Digital
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says young Brazilian midfielder Estevão Willian will have opportunities to play this season, despite his absence from the club’s League Cup elimination by Liverpool. The 19-year-old has played only 47 minutes in the Premier League this season, reports Citizen Digital, and Alonso says injuries and cramps influenced his substitution choices.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Estevão will get playing time this season, after leaving him on the bench during the Blues’ elimination by Liverpool in the League Cup on Wednesday, reports Citizen Digital. The match ended 1-1 before Chelsea lost 6-5 on penalties.
Estevão, who has played only 47 minutes in the Premier League this season, was cheered by Chelsea supporters during the match. Alonso explained that Moisés Caicedo’s physical problems and Malo Gusto’s cramps had forced the team to manage its substitutions. He said the young player would have his place over the course of a long season.
Chelsea have fielded Estevão only in two League Cup matches, in which he started. The London club signed him from Palmeiras in 2024 for a reported £29 million, or about $39 million; the Brazilian joined the following year. Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.
