Chelsea winger Estevao did not come off the bench last night as the Blues were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool in the fourth round, and with rumours floating around that PSG could be wanting the youngster in January, as a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia replacement with the Georgian out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
After an impressive debut season with Chelsea last year, Estevao has seemed to have fallen out of favour with new manager Xabi Alonso, with the Spaniard only playing Estevao for 47 Premier League minutes this season, and after the Brazilian was an unused sub last night, it looks like his Chelsea future could be in doubt.
Many Chelsea fans expected and probably wanted Estevao to start at Anfield, especially with Cole Palmer missing out through suspension, still Alonso chose to play a back four with Malo Gusto shifting to left back, Josh Acheampong playing right back, and Pedro Neto occupying the right wing as opposed to his usual right wing back position.
After the defeat, Xabi Alonso was asked about Estevao's exclusion, saying that the winger “he could be happier for sure," and despite heavy rotation and a run of poor form, the talented Brazilian can't seem to get a look in, with new signing Emanuel Emegha coming on, but he ended up missing a penalty in the shootout in what was a disappointing cameo.
The Blues left Merseyside short-handed with Maxence Lacroix, Moises Caicedo, and Malo Gusto all picking up injuries, with Alonso saying that those enforced changes were part of the reason that Estevao didn't enter the fray.
"The game had very intense moments. We knew that it was going to be physical. And after we had to deal with Moi [Caicedo], he had little problems. Malo [Gusto], as well, he had cramps. So we were a little bit forced with substitutions. And now we know that the season is going to be long. And there will be moments for everyone."
"I understand his situation and that he could be happier for sure. Every player wants to play, wants to be part of the team. We have had some intense games and there will be moments for everything. I'm sure that Este will have his moment. It's my responsibility and we need to deal with that."
What we know about PSG's interest.
During PSG's Champions League game against Barcelona on October 20, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came off with an injury, but it was later revealed that he had ruptured his ACL, putting him out for any time between six and nine months.
Although the Parisians have depth in the winger position with players like Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche, and Desire Doue, all able to play out on the right wing, none of them are at the same level as the Georgian superstar, leaving PSG to look for a replacement to try and help them win a third consecutive Champions League title.
Step forward, Estevao. Everyone knows the talent he possesses, but this season he has played nowhere near enough minutes for a player of his quality, especially when he joined Chelsea over clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich, showing how sought-after he was during his time at Palmeiras.
Although Chelsea are unwilling to sell Estevao, they are willing to listen to loan offers for the winger, and if the French side met their three requirements, then a move away from Stamford Bridge could be likely.
Those three requirements would be: 1. Chelsea wants the loan to be a straight loan and not contain an option or obligation to buy. 2. PSG must pay Estevao’s full wages during the spell. 3. They must guarantee a stint of regular team football.
If Estevao was to leave Chelsea in the January window, and although it would only be for six months, Xabi Alonso will miss the impact that the youngster brings when he's on the pitch, and with Chelsea's current injury issues throughout the team, Estevao is surely bound to have a chance to impress at some point this season, but it will come down to how long he will be willing to wait.
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