Chelsea’s teenage winger Estevao has been ruled out for the remainder of the English season, with his participation in this summer’s World Cup now hanging in the balance.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane delivered the update on Friday, confirming that the 19-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s narrow 1-0 defeat by Manchester United.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Leeds United on Sunday, McFarlane did not hold back on the severity of the setback.
“Estevao, unfortunately, won’t play for us again this season,” he said. “He’s going to be out for a significant period. It’s really unfortunate, especially for someone so young and so talented, but we are here to support him.”
When asked whether the Brazilian would be fit for the World Cup – which kicks off in June across Canada, Mexico and the United States – McFarlane remained cautious.
“I’m not sure on that, if I’m honest,” he admitted. “I just know that he won’t be available for us. I’m sure he’s very hopeful he can make the World Cup, but I genuinely don’t know.”
McFarlane has returned to the Stamford Bridge dugout following the sacking of Liam Rosenior earlier this week.
