The 19-year-old has featured sparingly this season and was an unused substitute in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool, despite Chelsea being without Cole Palmer and João Pedro. His limited involvement has prompted concern in Brazil, where his progress is being followed closely by national team coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Sun reports that Estêvão has told friends he feels he is experiencing the first major crisis of his professional career. One friend described the youngster as “suffering” and “really disappointed”, adding that he did not want to become a reserve at Chelsea.
“Estevao simply does not understand why this is happening,” the friend said.
The forward enjoyed an encouraging first season after joining from Palmeiras in a reported £54 million deal, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 36 appearances. Injuries interrupted his campaign, including a serious hamstring problem that ruled him out of the Club World Cup.
Those setbacks prompted a cautious return, but his opportunities have remained limited. He has started only twice in all competitions this season, and his absence against Liverpool intensified questions about his place.
Alonso has rejected the prospect of a January loan move and insists the teenager will receive opportunities as the season progresses.
“No discussions about that,” he said when asked about the possibility of a loan. “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’ll have his games, his minutes.”
Alonso has accepted responsibility for players unhappy with their playing time.
Ancelotti has also made clear that regular club football remains important to Estêvão’s development. The Brazil coach has described the winger as part of the national team’s future and expressed hope that his lack of minutes at Chelsea does not continue for too long.
Despite reports of interest from Barcelona and other European clubs, those close to the player insist that leaving is not his preferred option. A source connected to Palmeiras rejected suggestions that he is desperate to move, saying his frustration comes from wanting to play more regularly for Chelsea.
Estêvão is understood to remain committed to winning trophies in London and proving his value to Alonso. The immediate question is whether the manager’s promise of more opportunities translates into a greater role on the pitch.