Estevao Sidelined Ahead of Carabao Semis
Enzo Maresca has confirmed during a recent interview that Estevao Willian will miss Chelsea’s English Premier League trip to Newcastle United this weekend due to a “light injury.”
The 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid was notably absent from the squad that secured a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, 16 December.
The Blues overcame a 75th-minute equalizer from Cardiff to win, thanks to a brace from Alejandro Garnacho and a strike from Pedro Neto. The victory sends Chelsea into the semi-finals, where they will face either Arsenal or Crystal Palace in January 2026 as they chase their first League Cup title since 2015.
Estevao’s injury comes at a frustrating time for the youngster, whose momentum has stalled slightly following a standout performance against Barcelona in November.
Maresca, currently dealing with a squad thinned by injuries, remains hopeful that his young star will return for the festive home fixtures against Aston Villa and Bournemouth.
When asked about his next appearance, the 45-year-old Chelsea coach admitted: “Estevao has a small muscular problem … I think he can be available for the next one.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the fans following a turbulent week at Stamford Bridge: “I appreciate it and I’m always thankful.”
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