Premier League
Enzo Maresca Confirms Injury Concern For Estevao As Chelsea Sweat On Wonderkid’s Fitness
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian will miss Saturday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle United after picking up what the club have described as a “small muscular problem”.
The 18-year-old winger was notably absent from Chelsea’s squad for their 3–1 Carabao Cup victory over Cardiff City on Tuesday night, a result that booked the Blues’ place in the semi-finals of the competition. Maresca later explained that the youngster’s omission was purely fitness-related.
“He had a small problem. It was a muscle problem,” Maresca said. “He won’t be available for Newcastle and we will see for the next one.”
Estevao missing as Chelsea reach Carabao Cup semi-finals
Chelsea progressed to the final four thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and a late second from Garnacho, overturning Cardiff’s brief equaliser. The Blues will face the winners of Thursday night’s quarter-final clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace, with the semi-final first legs scheduled for the week of January 12.
Chelsea are chasing their first Carabao Cup triumph since 2015 and will hope the momentum from back-to-back wins carries into the festive run.
Maresca continues to battle injury setbacks
Estevao’s knock adds to a growing injury list for Maresca, who was already without Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Romeo Lavia. With the Brazilian sidelined, Tyrique George and Jamie Gittens started out wide, though it was the substitutes who ultimately made the difference.
Despite the absences, Maresca admitted the win lifted his mood following what he recently described as the toughest 48 hours of his Chelsea tenure.
“I’m just happy, we’re going to play another semi-final and I think it’s what the fans deserve,” he said.
“These are tricky games. You need to pay attention and do the right things.”
Momentum pause for Chelsea’s rising star
Estevao’s injury comes at an awkward time. The teenager enjoyed a breakthrough performance in Chelsea’s emphatic 3–0 win over Barcelona in November but has since seen his momentum stall amid tactical changes and limited minutes.
With demanding fixtures against Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Manchester City looming after the Newcastle trip, Chelsea will be hoping the injury is minor and that Estevao can return quickly to avoid missing a crucial stretch of the season.
For now, Maresca and the Chelsea faithful will be watching closely, hoping their young star’s absence proves to be short-lived.
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