Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior, confirmed that Estevao had not been in the given match day squad against Brentford because of illness and not a sore. The 18-year-old Brazilian fell sick with fever and temperature near the end of the night before the game, so medical personnel had to exclude him to be safe. Rosenior said that a virus had been spreading in the squad and that it has got a number of players in recent days. Although the club initially worried about another fitness setback, it emphasized that the issue remained short-term and did not involve any muscular or impactful injury.
Estevao’s Absence Exposes Chelsea’s Creative Shortfall
Chelsea also clearly felt the loss of Estevao against Brentford, especially due to the recent lack of creativity. Having Cole Palmer to wrestle with the continuous fitness issues, the young Brazilian has become one of the most threatening outlets in attack within the side. Following a scintific debut in the first leg of the semi-final of the Carabao cup against Arsenal, Estevao was expected to continue gaining momentum by again starting in the second leg of the semifinal. Rather, for long periods one watched Chelsea flat and predictable, with no real directness or unpredictability as he tends to offer between the lines.
Rosenior Forced to Rely on Alternatives
Liam Rosenior did not have Estevao to shoulder the creative burden, and he had to use more established attacking options. Palmer was employed though not in top condition and Joao Pedro was requested to work in higher positions to connect the play and give movement. Even though Chelsea finally managed to make a breakthrough, the display further highlighted the insufficiency of natural substitutes that can do what Estevao can do, beating defenders one-on-one. Should such absence of wide players arise again, Rosenior can also think of rotating wide players, or changing the middlefield.
Estevao’s Fitness Woes Highlight a Wider Trend
The case of Estevao represents a wider trend that Chelsea have experienced this season, as fitness problems or lack of availability frequently disrupt young individuals. The Brazilian played a troubled life with former head coach Enzo Maresca, who did not provide him with regular playing time despite good individual performances. The unveiling of Rosenior brought excitement of more confidence in the fresh talents and the performance of Estevao against Arsenal indicated that he might be a regular player in the starting line. His ailment, however slight, momentarily stayed that motion at a very important period of the season.
Quick Recovery Expected, Boosting Chelsea’s Attack
This is good news for Chelsea because the club considers Estevao’s condition minor. He should recover rapidly since he has no underlying injury, and after he overcomes a brief illness, he should resume training once the symptoms fade. Club sources hope that he might be in time to play the next game provided he recovers and receives a medical go-ahead. Rosenior has been cautious in his approach with his focus on the health of players rather than the risk of the short term but everything indicates that Estevao will be back in the fray within a very short period. His quick re-injuration will count when Chelsea face a hectic schedule of matches in the domestic matches.
As trust builds with Liam Rosenior and the players adapt to his concepts, a fearless striker like Estevao Willian, fit and available, could prove the clincher. Those who supported him will also hope that the slightest loss will not derail him and that he will soon be back on the pitch and once again impacting the matches at the top.
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