Xabi Alonso sits with Estevao Willian
Xabi Alonso has dismissed reports that Estevao Willian is unhappy with his current role in the Chelsea squad(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Xabi Alonso has rubbished reports from Brazil claiming Estevao Willian is unhappy at Stamford Bridge and the Chelsea manager insisted the winger has a crucial role to play this season.
The 19-year-old has featured just twice in the opening three Premier League matches of the season and has spent only 16 minutes - not including stoppage time - on the pitch. Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers have been Alonso's go-to men on the flanks in the early exchanges of the campaign.
A report from his homeland last week stated Estevao could look to depart Chelsea during the January transfer window if his minutes continue to be limited.
Alonso, speaking ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup third round tie at home to Leeds United, where Estevao is expected to start, confirmed he has spoken to the Brazilian but would not disclose what was said.
"No, Este is ready," said Alonso when asked about the speculation. "He's training well. The other day [vs Arsenal], he had a very good impact, he had a great chance.
"So he's fully involved and with a very good attitude every day."
Alonso continued: "You know, [we've had] private conversations, they should remain private. But the season is going to be long and the players that have the desire and the hunger to prove and to show every day that they are up for the challenge, it's what we want to create here in the building.
"Este is part of it. So he has a very good attitude, very good mentality to prepare for every game and to be ready for the team."
Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian could face a difficult challenge in getting Premier League minutes for Chelsea this season(Image: Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto)
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Valentin Barco is someone else in the Chelsea squad with not too many minutes under his belt so far this season.
However, the Argentina international, brought in over the summer from Strasbourg, is expected to be in the starting line-up for Wednesday night's cup tie with Leeds.
Alonso believes Barco will eventually get more opportunities in the first-team picture and is happy with the 22-year-old's adaptation to life in England.
"It's still early days for everything," explained the Chelsea boss. "For each player, for the team, many things will develop. Many things will be happening.
"So there will be chances for everyone. He's patient, he's intelligent, knowing that he has taken a big, a very important step coming from Strasbourg.
"Now that the competition is great, he's good but he's ready for the challenge."
Moises Caicedo remains sidelined for the cup tie with an injury but could return for Saturday's visit of Hull City in the Premier League. Jordan Henderson, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha are also absent this evening due to injuries.