Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Brazilian teenage sensation Estevao Willian will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United due to a muscle injury, raising fresh concerns over the youngster’s fitness.
The 18-year-old winger was notably absent from Chelsea’s squad as the Blues secured a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. Speaking after the match, Maresca explained that Estevao is dealing with a “small muscular problem” and will not be available this weekend.
Despite missing the exciting winger, Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals thanks to late goals from Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho. After David Turnbull cancelled out Garnacho’s opener, the Blues struck twice late on to seal the win.
Chelsea will now face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace in the two-legged semi-finals, scheduled for mid-January and early February. The club is chasing its first Carabao Cup triumph since lifting the trophy in 2015, having finished runners-up three times since then.
Maresca confirmed after the game that Estevao’s injury ruled him out of the Newcastle match and could also affect his availability beyond that fixture.
“He had a small problem, a muscle issue,” the Italian said. “He won’t be available for Newcastle and we will see for the next one.”
The setback adds to Chelsea’s growing injury list, with Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Romeo Lavia also sidelined. In Estevao’s absence, Tyrique George and Jamie Gittens were handed starts on the wings, but it was substitutes Garnacho and Neto who ultimately made the difference.
The Cardiff win marked a morale boost for Maresca, who recently described a difficult spell at the club but admitted he was “happy again” after guiding Chelsea into another semi-final.
Estevao had been enjoying a strong run of form, highlighted by an eye-catching performance in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Barcelona in late November. However, his momentum has slowed in recent weeks, with limited minutes in subsequent matches and now an untimely injury.
Chelsea face a demanding run of fixtures following the Newcastle game, with Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Manchester City all looming. Maresca will be hoping the Brazilian youngster’s injury proves minor and does not keep him sidelined for long.
With Estevao out, Garnacho and Neto have strengthened their case for regular starts. Both impressed after coming off the bench against Cardiff, following solid displays in the recent win over Everton. Their impact may prove crucial as Chelsea navigate a busy festive schedule.
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