By Adegboyega Adeleye
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has backed young Brazilian forward Estêvão to play an important role despite his limited minutes so far this season.
According to ESPN, the 19-year-old has made brief substitute appearances in two of Chelsea’s three Premier League matches, including Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, when his late effort was saved by David Raya.
Estêvão came close to rescuing a point at the Emirates after replacing Jamie Gittens, but Raya tipped his powerful effort over the bar.
Alonso, however, insists the teenager remains an integral part of his plans.
“Este is ready, he’s training well. Against Arsenal, he had a very good impact, he has a great chance. So he’s fully involved and with a very good attitude every day,” Alonso said.
Asked if Estêvão has an important role in his squad, Alonso replied: “100% because of his potential, because he’s so young, but he’s in that process to adapt and to learn quickly. And the season is going to be long.”
Estêvão made 12 Premier League starts last season and scored eight goals in all competitions under Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.
Alonso said the Brazilian’s attitude and desire to prove himself have also impressed him.
“Este is part of it. So he has had a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare every game and to be ready for the team,” he added.
Chelsea will look to respond to their first defeat under Alonso when they host Leeds in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The Blues have also been boosted by the availability of defender Levi Colwill, who missed the Arsenal defeat because of a fitness issue.
However, Moises Caicedo remains unavailable alongside summer signings Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson.
Alonso said Palestra and Caicedo are closest to returning but warned against rushing them back.
“They are still not ready to go, and it’s not the moment to take an early risk,” he said.
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