Estevao Willian has been omitted from Chelsea's squad to face Brentford tonight due to illness, football.london understands. The 18-year-old winger started each of the Blues' last two games in the Premier League, helping Enzo Maresca's side clinch wins over West Ham and Fulham.
Estevao was one of four Chelsea players who returned from the international break late. He, Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos only managed to squeeze in a recovery session at Cobham on Thursday, while Moises Caicedo didn't touch down in the United Kingdom until the evening.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday, Maresca described the South American contingent as 'question marks' for the trip to the G-Tech Community Stadium. The Blues boss also called Brentford 'tough' opposition.
Chelsea have drawn each of their last three games at the G-Tech Community Stadium, with two of which ending goalless. And, since the Bees were promoted to the Premier League in 2021, the Blues have only managed to beat them three times across all competitions.
"It was last year, as you said, in both games," said Maresca. "But the Premier League is the best league in the world, probably for that, because against any club it's always tough. We play three games, Palace are doing fantastic, Fulham, West Ham, it's always difficult. So tomorrow I expect exactly the same."
On starting the season with four straight London derbies, Maresca added: "To be honest, the last time we played, I think, West Ham away was two hours and a half bus [laughs]. I don't think so, to be honest, at the end. I don't think so. They are all derbies but I don't think that makes a big difference."
With Estevao ruled out, Maresca turned to Facundo Buonanotte, who Chelsea signed on loan from Brighton on deadline day. Before the Brentford game, the Blues boss heaped praise on the 20-year-old attacking midfieler.
"Buonanotte is a good player," said Maresca. "I know him because he was in Leicester and I was there, so I have some contact there. He's a player that can help us. We have so many competitions, so many games, that for sure he's going to play games for us."
Reece James, who started each of England's World Cup qualifiers over the international break, remained on the bench for Chelsea.
This is a developing news story that will be updated with relevant information as we get it. More to follow...
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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