An example of how one injury can change everything.During last season's underwhelming campaign, Estevao was one of the rare bright spots at Chelsea. He registered eight goals and four assists in 36 appearances in his debut season in Europe and looked destined to become one of the Blues' leaders. At the age of 18, he had already been considered their future.However, last April, he suffered a severe hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for three months and ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.Chelsea's five-day striker purge: €127.5m raised from selling four forwardsIt took time, but he recovered and returned to Chelsea's squad – only to find that many things were no longer the same.Enzo Maresca had left and was replaced with Xabi Alonso, while Estevao was handed serious competition in the form of big-money signing Morgan Rogers.So, it's no wonder the Brazilian quickly learned how thin the line is between stardom and the bench.Deadline Day madness: how Chelsea, Everton and Monaco all ended up empty-handedIn the opening two Premier League games, the teenager played only seven minutes before getting a start in the EFL Cup against third-tier Luton Town – a clear message that things no longer revolved around him.On top of everything, Alonso's three-centre-back system shifts responsibility for the flanks onto the two full-backs, rendering wingers such as Estevao redundant.That's why the reports from his homeland, revealing that he's afraid for his place on the team, do not come as a surprise. On the contrary.🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Estevao has reportedly told those close to him that he fears he won’t get enough opportunities under Alonso. He prefers playing centrally and doesn’t want to compete with Neto for a wide role, as he believes adding more muscle could affect his mobility and… pic.twitter.com/4A2hWgcmSJ— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) September 2, 2026 According to ESPN journalist Renato Senise and Brazilian outlet Terra, the 19-year-old wouldn't think twice about leaving as early as January if he doesn't get regular playing time.Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras for €45 million in July 2025, and given his age and potential, the Blues would most likely recoup more than they paid for him if he were to leave.Still, it would be yet another story of a player who rose quickly, only to come crashing down even faster at Stamford Bridge.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 3Friday22.00: (5.50) Ipswich (4.80) Liverpool (1.52) Saturday14.30: (2.15) Newcastle (3.50) Bournemouth (3.30) 17.00: (1.70) Brentford (3.60) Sunderland (5.30) 17.00: (1.95) Brighton (3.50) Leeds (3.90) 17.00: (2.35) Fulham (3.40) Crystal Palace (3.00) 17.00: (1.18) Man.City (7.75) Coventry (13.0) 17.00: (2.40) Nott.Forest (3.35) Tottenham (2.95) 19.30: (3.90) Hull (3.50) Aston Villa (1.95) Sunday16.00: (3.35) Everton (3.45) Man.Utd. (2.15) 18.30: (1.75) Arsenal (3.60) Chelsea (4.90) ***odds are subject to change***
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