After being out injured, Estevao Willian returned to Chelsea’s matchday squad for their 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Struggling in attack, the Blues really needed someone like Estevao on the pitch.
However, Liam Rosenior refrained from bringing the winger on despite Chelsea needing to score.
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Jason Cundy discussing Estevao Willian and Bukayo Saka
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Estevao Willian was filling in for squad dropouts
In an article for the Daily Mail, journalist Kieran Gill has shed some light on Estevao’s situation.
Gill revealed that he received a message before the game saying that it was very unlikely that the Brazilian would play despite his inclusion in the squad.
According to Gill, Estevao was brought in late after two other players had to drop out of the matchday squad.
Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder #17 Andrey Santos (L), Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder #41 Estevao (2R)
Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
The 18-year-old was never meant to be included, which is understandable. With the tie already over after Chelsea’s 5-2 defeat to PSG in the first leg, there was no need to risk Estevao.
It will now be interesting to see whether he gets any minutes against Everton on Saturday. Before the PSG match, it was claimed that Estevao was unlikely to return until after the international break.
Chelsea missing Estevao Willian
At this moment in time, PSG are a vastly superior team compared to Chelsea. Estevao being fit enough to play would not have changed Tuesday night’s result.
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Their defence has its vulnerabilities, though, and that was clear to see at the Parc des Princes, where Chelsea managed to score twice.
With Estevao on the pitch in the second leg, Chelsea could have easily scored a goal.
Having him against Newcastle United, who defend really well in a low block, would also have been useful. Estevao has the dribbling ability and skill to break down a defence.
Ultimately, Rosenior’s side have missed Estevao. Bar Cole Palmer, their other attackers cannot do what Estevao can on the right wing. They need him to stay fit between now and the end of the season.
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