Enzo Fernandez has publicly backed teammate Estevao Willian after the young winger was granted compassionate leave ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Arsenal.
The 18-year-old, signed from Palmeiras for £29 million, returned to Brazil for personal reasons and missed Chelsea’s recent victory over West Ham.
Speaking ahead of the tie, Liam Rosenior explained that the teenager is going through a challenging period and stressed that no pressure would be placed on his return.
“I don’t know yet, with Este, he is a young kid who has come and been magnificent,” said Rosenior when asked if there’s a chance that he could play against Arsenal.
“He is going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and is on compassionate leave.
“I won’t put any pressure on him; it has to be right for him, it has to be right for him, and he has to feel in the right place to perform for this team.”
Dressing Room Support And Selection Uncertainty
Fernandez echoed his manager’s words when speaking to the club’s media channels, sending a heartfelt message of solidarity to his teammate during this period away from the squad.
He said: “I’d like to send Estevao a message.
“Tell him that I send him my deepest condolences, that I support him, love him, and that we hope to see him here soon. The whole group is with him.”
Estevao was absent from training at Cobham, leaving uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming fixture against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Several senior players including Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella were present in training, suggesting Chelsea will still field a strong lineup.
Injury Concerns Add To Wide Options Dilemma
Chelsea could also be without Jamie Gittens, who suffered a hamstring problem during the win over West Ham and is now a doubt for the cup semi-final.
“I don’t know the extent of the injury,” said Rosenior. “It’s a real shame for him because I wanted to give him a start and I wanted him to show what he could do, so for him to come off after 25 minutes is disappointing for him and hopefully it’s not too bad.”
With Tyrique George out on loan and uncertainty around both Estevao and Gittens, Rosenior may be forced into reshuffling his wide attacking options for the crucial encounter.
