Australia v Brazil
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Amid the furore surrounding Joao Pedro and Estevao, Carlo Ancelotti has announced his Brazil squad this evening. The former Chelsea manager has made a decision on the Stamford Bridge duo.
Estevao has hardly played since he represented Brazil in the last international break. Once again, Estevao was left on the bench by Xabi Alonso on Wednesday as Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
What are your thoughts on Estevao being left out again? Why do you think Xabi Alonso keeps doing it? 🤔
I just can’t explain it. I get it when Palmer, Rogers and Pedro are all starting, but yesterday? And to not even hand him a minute…
Yeah so did I only 5 then
You just missed the Leeds cup final then
Meanwhile, Joao Pedro has missed games against Tottenham and Liverpool. Alonso has confirmed that Pedro has picked up a thigh injury, with Alonso expecting Pedro to be sidelined until after the break.
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Ancelotti includes Estevao but Pedro not named in Brazil squad
Brazil are in action twice during the November break, but neither game is of any importance. Both are friendlies, with Japan initially taking on Ancelotti’s men at the National Stadium on November 14.
Then, Brazil face Indonesia to take on a side that is managed by former Canada and Toronto boss John Herdman. Ancelotti, as he promised, has included Estevao in his squad despite a lack of game time.
However, thankfully for Chelsea, striker Pedro has been omitted from the squad. A request likely put in place by Xabi Alonso and Chelsea, with Pedro hoping to be fit to face Leeds United on November 21.
Estevao has clocked up just as many minutes for Brazil this season
Estevao’s game time for Chelsea has been so poor that the winger has only been afforded 172 minutes of action across eight separate matches for Chelsea. He’s only started two, both coming in the Carabao Cup.
Jamie O’Hara describes his situation as “upsetting”, urging the winger to leave. Chelsea fans are desperate to see more of Estevao, but despite averaging a goal every 210 minutes last term, he is still overlooked.
Remarkably, Estevao has played 172 minutes for Brazil this season, too. He has featured in all three of Brazil’s fixtures against India and Australia twice. He scored and assisted in the 4-0 win over India.
The one positive is that, hopefully, Estevao gets plenty of game time while with Brazil and returns sharp. Perhaps that will convince Alonso to start using the former Palmeiras man more regularly at Chelsea.