The Chelsea manager faced repeated questions about the Brazilian teenager following his omission from the defeat at Liverpool, but insisted the forward's limited involvement was not a question of attitude and rejected suggestions of a January loan.
“Yeah, sure, he will play. The season is long and there will be moments for everyone. It's a process for the team, for Este, for myself, but I'm sure that in the season he will have his games, his minutes. And we are still early in the season, but he will be there.”
Alonso said Estêvão had responded positively in training and explained that his decisions had been influenced by the circumstances of individual matches.
“Yeah, it's not about attitude. It's been about the context of games, it's been about the start of the season, and he's a great guy. He really wants his adaptation after the first year of injury, but we are still in October and he will be important.”
The manager acknowledged that players naturally become frustrated when they are not selected, accepting responsibility for the situation.
“Yeah, of course. It's no secret that all players want to be on the pitch, they want to be playing, and when any of them haven't had enough minutes because of my decision, I have to take the responsibility for that, that they are not as happy as they could.
“But, as well, everyone has to be ready because in any game they could be important, they could be part of the team.”
Asked whether the player might benefit from a loan move in January, Alonso was brief.
“No, no discussions about that.”
Lacroix ruled out for several weeks
Alonso also confirmed that Maxence Lacroix would miss several weeks after suffering an injury against Liverpool.
“Max, he picked up an injury, and we expect that he's not going to be ready before the international break. So he will be a few weeks out.”
Moises Caicedo, however, is available despite concerns following his withdrawal at Anfield.
“No, no issue. He's okay for tomorrow.”
Emi Martinez could also return before the international break, although a decision will depend on his progress next week. Alonso indicated that a protective face mask would probably be required.
Jorrel Hato remains unavailable, while Pep Chavarria is back in contention. Aaron Anselmino will need several more weeks as Chelsea continue to manage his injury problems.
With Lacroix absent, Alonso identified Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong as alternatives at centre-back, while also praising Fofana's performance against Liverpool despite his missed penalty.
Alonso demands a response
Chelsea have lost their last two matches, but Alonso believes the performance against Liverpool offered encouragement.
“I've seen a better version of us on Wednesday than I saw on Saturday. Even the result at the end wasn't good in either, but I want to see more of a good version of us.”
He also warned that Manchester United would present a difficult challenge regardless of the scrutiny surrounding Carrick.
“United have a good squad, they have good players, good manager, so it's going to be a tough game and we'll have to be on our top in a good version of us to win the game.”