Chelsea refused to budge. The Brazilian wanted to go home to recover, but the club said no — his long-term future comes first.
The situation with Estevao's injury is going from bad to worse. In recent hours, the Brazilian outlet R7 Esportes reported that Chelsea is not authorizing the player to travel to Brazil to undergo treatment for his muscle injury and that it will not change its mind. The club's decision aims to safeguard his sporting development and avoid any risk that could affect his future projection, especially in a World Cup year.
The attacker suffered a grade four hamstring injury during the match against Manchester United, which leaves him out for the rest of the season. According to what the new interim head coach of the Blues, Calum McFarlane, confirmed, Estevao will not play again for the Blues this season, which he closes with eight goals and four assists in 36 games across all competitions.
From the player's entourage, the intention was different. Estevao sought to return to his native Brazil to continue his recovery close to his family and under the supervision of professionals linked to the Brazilian Football Confederation. The idea was also tied to showing Carlo Ancelotti that he can arrive in condition for the World Cup.
The London club, for its part, has already taken a step by agreeing that the player will not go under the knife. Surgery would have seriously complicated his chances of being in the World Cup. Either way, the club maintains a strict stance regarding the place where he must carry out his recovery and is not granting permission to travel.
Chelsea's stance responds to a plan that prioritizes the footballer's career in the long term. The institution understands that modifying the medical process at this time could generate consequences in his development, especially considering that it is his first season at the club."
For now, the club will have to face the FA Cup semifinal against Leeds on Sunday, with a Chelsea that has several injured players, following the recent firing of Rosenior, under a giant cloud of uncertainty. The players will have to step up for the team and not fall into the pit. Elimination could be catastrophic for the club's immediate future, and this summer, many heads could roll."
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