Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has assured Brazilian teenager Estêvão that he will get his opportunity to make an impact at Stamford Bridge this season despite his limited playing time under the Spanish coach.
Alonso’s comments came after the 19-year-old winger was left unused during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, October 28, despite travelling with the squad and warming up during the encounter.
The decision attracted attention from Chelsea supporters, many of whom repeatedly chanted Estêvão’s name while he prepared on the touchline, hoping to see the youngster introduced as the Blues searched for a winning goal.
However, Alonso opted against bringing him on as Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw before losing 6-5 in the penalty shootout, ending their hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.
Speaking after the match, the Chelsea manager acknowledged that the Brazilian would naturally be disappointed with his lack of involvement but insisted that he remained an important part of the club’s plans.
“I understand his situation and that he could be happier for sure. Every player wants to play, wants to be part of the team,” Alonso said.
“There will be moments for everything. I’m sure Estêvão will have his moment. It’s my responsibility, and we need to deal with that.”
The Spanish tactician also explained that the intensity of the encounter and injuries to some of his players influenced his substitution decisions.
Alonso revealed that Chelsea were forced to make changes because of fitness concerns involving Moisés Caicedo and Malo Gusto, leaving him with fewer opportunities to introduce attacking options.
“We knew that it was going to be physical. And after we had to deal with Moi, he had little problems. Malo, as well, he had cramps. So we were a little bit forced with substitutions,” he explained.
Estêvão’s situation has become a talking point among Chelsea supporters, particularly considering the impressive performances he delivered during his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in 2025 after agreeing to a reported £29 million transfer in 2024. He went on to score eight goals and provide three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions during his first season in England.
However, his progress was interrupted by a hamstring injury in April, which also affected his involvement with Brazil ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although he has returned to action, regular first-team opportunities have remained difficult to secure under Alonso.
According to the available statistics, Estêvão has played just 172 minutes across eight appearances for Chelsea this season, starting only twice, both in the early rounds of the Carabao Cup.
He has also yet to register a goal or assist for the London club in the 2026/27 campaign.
His limited involvement is particularly noticeable given the excitement surrounding his arrival and the expectations created by his performances last season.
Estêvão previously demonstrated his ability to influence important matches, including an impressive performance against Barcelona in the Champions League, where he scored a memorable goal in Chelsea’s 3-0 victory.
His absence against Liverpool has therefore raised questions about how Alonso intends to manage the development of one of the club’s most highly rated young attacking talents.
Nevertheless, the Chelsea manager has maintained that the season remains long enough for every player to receive opportunities, insisting that the teenager will eventually play an important role.
Chelsea will return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with Estêvão hoping to feature as the Blues attempt to respond to their cup disappointment.
The London side are also scheduled to face Sunderland before the November international break.
For Estêvão, the immediate challenge will be to convince Alonso that he deserves a more regular place in the team, while the manager will face increasing attention over how he balances the teenager’s development with Chelsea’s immediate ambitions.
