Estevao has made just two starts across all competitions this season and sits far down Chelsea's pecking order under manager Xabi Alonso. The 19-year-old Brazilian was absent from Wednesday's Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss to Liverpool at Anfield, where Alonso brought on Emmanuel Emegha, a player who had yet to feature for the club, rather than turn to Estevao.
Estevao has failed to start any of Chelsea's eight Premier League matches under Alonso and has logged 172 total minutes this campaign, with 125 of those coming in EFL Cup victories over Luton Town and Leeds United. He was even withdrawn at halftime during the 6-3 win against Leeds, one of only two starts he has earned.
Alonso defended his approach after the Liverpool loss. "He could be happier. He wants to play. I'm sure Estevao will have his moment, it is my responsibility," Alonso said. "We know the game in England is really intense, and you need to be up for it. Estevao is in his second season. The season is going to be long."
Pedro Neto has effectively blocked Estevao's path to playing time. The Portuguese winger, 26, has seven starts in eight Premier League matches and plays the same right-wing position Estevao favors. Neto has scored four goals in 11 matches and recently signed a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso deploys Neto in a hybrid wing-back role within his 3-4-2-1 system. Former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff suggested on Sky Sports that the setup may not suit Estevao. "He's a player who is a little bit of a victim of the system," McAnuff said.
Against Liverpool, Estevao could not break into the side despite injuries to Joao Pedro and suspension to Cole Palmer. Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison questioned the decision. "How Estev