A rare bit of positive news for Liam Rosenior in the last week has been Estevao Willian returning to Chelsea training, however he should not start for the Blues against PSG in the Champions League tonight.
The Blues have a mountain to climb at Stamford Bridge after their 5-2 defeat in the Round of 16 first leg in Paris, where a late capitulation saw Rosenior’s side hanging on by a thread.
They are already aware they are going to be without Reece James after his latest hamstring injury, and welcoming a key player like Estevao back into the fold would no doubt be a boost to supporters in West London tonight.
Who are you starting in goal and midfield against PSG?
Chelsea's predicted XI for PSG clash
Estevao should not start for Chelsea vs PSG
However, Chelsea need to be looking at the bigger picture here. Their chances of finishing in the top five of the Premier League are starting to fade due to their poor form domestically.
They currently are on a run of just one win in five games, and face Manchester United and Manchester City in the next three outings.
Chelsea FC Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images
Having Estevao available for those games is going to be crucial, especially with the ongoing injury woes in attack. Jamie Gittens remains out of action.
It has already been reported that Chelsea have considered protecting Estevao until after the international break to allow him to be at his best for the Blues in the last few weeks of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti has not picked Estevao for Brazil’s upcoming fixtures, despite the fact he is set to play a key role at the World Cup.
How many points will be enough for fifth place?
Chelsea currently sit on 48 points.
Chelsea’s potential attack to face PSG
With the Blues needing a miracle to reach the quarter-finals of the competition, they are going to need a big performance from both Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, who will certainly start.
Pedro Neto has returned from his domestic suspension, and avoided a further ban in Europe after his altercation with a ballboy last week. He will also start.
With the Blues needing goals, we are predicting Fernandez and Caicedo will play deep together, allowing space for Alejandro Garnacho to complete the attack on the left wing.
It will be really tempting to throw Estevao straight into the side, however Rosenior needs to keep the bigger picture in mind when picking his XI.
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