Why Estevao Was Left Out Of Chelsea's Cup Defeat To Liverpool As Real Reason Revealed

Chelsea’s Carabao Cup exit has raised further questions over Estevao Willian’s role under Xabi Alonso after the Brazilian was once again left on the bench during the defeat to Liverpool.

Following a 6-5 penalty shootout defeat, the trip to Anfield was the second match in a hectic seven-day period. With defeats to both Tottenham and Liverpool, pressure has mounted ahead of Manchester United's visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea took the lead just five minutes before half-time through a Morgan Rogers penalty but were pegged back just three minutes later when Wesley Fofana was penalised for handball in the penalty area, allowing Cody Gakpo to slot home.

With the scores level at 1-1, the tie was decided on penalties, with substitute Emmanuel Emegha and Fofana missing the decisive spot-kicks.

The Blues’ hunt for domestic silverware now rests on the FA Cup, with May 2027 marking nine years without a taste of cup final victory at Wembley Stadium.

Brazilian winger Estevao Willian will be wondering what he has to do to earn a chance under Xabi Alonso. The 19-year-old was once again left unused, having started just two matches this season, both in earlier rounds of the League Cup.

Given that the winger hasn’t started a Premier League game so far, the cup tie against Liverpool was earmarked as an opportunity to show Alonso what he had been missing. With both Rogers and Pedro Neto showing signs of fatigue, the decision not to give the Brazilian at least 20 minutes has caused confusion among many Chelsea supporters.

Estevao has taken penalties for both club and country in the last 12 months, scoring two from two. The winger could have been one of the Blues’ natural options in the event of a penalty shootout, but instead, he was overlooked.

After the fourth-round defeat, Alonso was asked by reporters why Estevao wasn’t introduced. He replied: “We were quite forced [with subs] at the end. The game was really, really close. To come straight from the bench and to that competitive level, I thought that we could have waited.”

The changes Alonso was referring to included the withdrawal of defender Maxence Lacroix with a suspected hamstring injury. Both Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo were also substituted as a precaution. Despite these changes, the 44-year-old still had one substitution left at his disposal.

Confusion continues over why Alonso does not play the Brazilian and, according to the Daily Mail, his absence is not due to a falling-out; it is simply down to tactical and technical decisions.

With Cole Palmer back from suspension for the match against Manchester United and Pedro Neto preferred because of his work rate, it is hard to see Estevao breaking into the starting line-up any time soon.

If Estevao cannot earn an opportunity against Manchester United or Sunderland in the Premier League, his next appearance could come in the yellow shirt of Brazil.