Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian remains a major doubt for the upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal.
Estevao has been granted compassionate leave due to personal reasons, with Rosenior refusing to put a timeline on his return. The youngster missed the weekend’s victory over West Ham after being granted permission to return home to Brazil.
Speaking ahead of the meeting with the Gunners, Rosenior adopted a sombre and protective tone regarding his young star.
Rosenior made it unequivocally clear that football is secondary to the player’s well-being at this moment. Asked if Estevao would be available for selection, Rosenior refused to offer false hope.
“I don’t know yet,” Rosenior admitted. “With Este, he’s a young kid who’s come and been magnificent. He’s going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and he’s on compassionate leave.”
Estevao has been impressive for Chelsea this season. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Rosenior noted that the club will support Estevao for as long as necessary, regardless of the magnitude of the upcoming fixtures.
“I won’t put any pressure on him,” he added. “It has to be right for him and he has to feel he’s in the right place to perform for this team.”
Rosenior also provided an update on the fitness of Jamie Gittens. The English forward lasted only 25 minutes before pulling up against West Ham.
“Jamie unfortunately felt his hamstring, I don’t know the extent of the injury,” the Chelsea head coach revealed. “It’s a real shame for him because I wanted to give him a start and I wanted him to show what he could do.”
“So, for him to come off after 25 minutes is disappointing for him and hopefully it’s not too bad,” Rosenior concluded regarding Gittens.
Chelsea lost 3-2 in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal and will be eager to turn things around at the Emirates Stadium.
