Chelsea have been dealt another injury blow as problems continue to mount for Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea star Estevao lies down
Chelsea star Estevao is set to be out for some time (Image: Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images)
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Chelsea have suffered a huge injury blow with winger Estevao set to miss the rest of the season and World Cup. The Brazilian pulled up during Saturday's defeat to Manchester United after chasing a lofted pass in behind the opposing defensive line.
Speaking to the press after the final whistle against United, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior disclosed that Estevao was in tears at the interval.
He said: "He was crying at half time; it was really devastating for him. It looks like it's his hamstring and that has happened in a moment when he's running through on their goal for a one-v-one chance – he pulls his hamstring in that moment. I hope Este comes back sooner rather than later."
The west Londoners have lost and failed to score in each of their last five league games for the first time since 1912. Tuesday night's 3-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion has put Rosenior under growing pressure at Stamford Bridge, with talks reportedly underway over his future.
And the former Strasbourg boss has launched a scathing assessment of his players after they were humiliated at the Amex.
The 41-year-old said: "It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude.
"I keep coming out and defending the players - that's indefensible, that performance tonight.
"The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now.
"I think the players need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. You can talk about tactics... tactics come after the basics.
"Having more courage to play, winning duels, winning headers, tackles, conceding terrible goals. That was an unacceptable performance tonight."
Chelsea return to action on Sunday against Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-finals. The Blues may need to rely on winning football's oldest domestic cup to qualify for Europe, with Rosenior's men potentially sliding down to 11th if other results go against them across the next week.