There were concerns about Estevao Willian returning for Chelsea this weekend.
After an outstanding performance for Brazil on Friday, reports emerged that Estevao had taken ill with the flu.
With a tough trip to Nottingham Forest on the horizon, Enzo Maresca will want the 18-year-old back fit after he scored three goals in his last two games.
Estevao Willian celebrates with Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior after scoring for Brazil against South Korea.
Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
With Cole Palmer still out, having Estevao available is even more important, and new footage from Brazil’s training camp is good news for Chelsea.
Estevao back in training for Brazil
When Estevao tested positive for the flu at the weekend, there were concerns over his availability for Chelsea after the break.
Those concerns have been eased after Estevao was spotted in training with Brazil.
Whether that means he will play for Carlo Ancelotti on Tuesday remains to be seen, but it does suggest he will be ready for Forest at the weekend.
With the form Estevao has shown in recent games, he should be nailed on to start if fit.
This is a Forest team that looks far less solid than last season’s side, and there could be plenty of opportunity for the youngster to continue his scorching run of form.
Estevao looks ready for a bigger role at Chelsea
Arriving in Europe for the first time this summer, there was always a plan to integrate Estevao slowly into his new team.
Still just a teenager, there wasn’t an expectation for him to start week-in, week-out.
But the form he has shown in recent games suggests he is ready to take that next step and become a regular contributor for the Blues.
Estevao has been one of Chelsea’s best signings from the summer, and he has backed up the hype from day one. With Palmer not available and the other new wingers yet to find their rhythm, he could already be thrust into a more significant role.
By all appearances, he’s ready.