Xabi Alonso Makes Estevao Promise After Limited Chelsea Minutes In Premier League

Xabi Alonso has sent Estevao Willian a message after his limited Premier League game time for Chelsea so far this season.

After five games played, Estevao has only played a total of 23 minutes across four of the five league games, after being an unused substitute in the 4-3 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on August 30 - Chelsea's last victory in the league.

The bulk of Estevao's minutes this season have come in the Carabao Cup, starting both ties against Luton Town and Leeds United.

With Alonso opting for a front three, Estevao's competition has made it difficult for the youngster to earn minutes. Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro have made an immediate impact this season, leaving little room for Estevao, other than the odd cameo off the bench, in the starting side.

The 19-year-old suffered a hamstring injury towards the end of last season, which saw him miss out on Brazil's World Cup squad. This has likely affected his minutes as they look to ease him back in, especially with the club's other injury problems involving key players.

Speculation has linked Barcelona with interest in Estevao, who will be desperate for more 'important' minutes in the league, rather than playing second fiddle in the cup games.

His eagerness for minutes is not helped by Chelsea's failure to qualify for European football this season, restricting the Blues' schedule to domestic fixtures only.

Estevao will now need to prove himself on the training pitch and in every single moment he gets when selected to play.

The teenager impressed while on international duty with Brazil in the three week break, scoring and assisting against India, while featuring in the other two matches against Australia.

Now he returns to Chelsea, who are preparing to face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and looking to end a three-game league winless run.

With Palmer and Joao Pedro fit and available to play for Chelsea, Estevao's role - if he is to play - is likely to come off the bench.

Alonso has tried to ease any noise surrounding Estevao, who has been told he will be given chances by the Spaniard.

"It's still early in the season," Alonso insisted. "Este is feeling much better from the injury.

"He has played for Brazil, the context is different, but we know the demand of the Premier League. He will have his moments in some games and more minutes."

Estevao is not only competing with Rogers, Palmer and Joao Pedro. Geovany Quenda, Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens are all vying for minutes. Gittens is currently sidelined for several weeks after an injury setback while on England Under-21s duty.