Chelsea dealt a huge blow to their chances of qualifying for the Champions League with their defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, but Estevao’s early injury compounded the loss.
Liam Rosenier provides update after defeat (Image: Chelsea FC)
Liam Rosenior has revealed that “devastated” Chelsea star Estevao was in tears after being forced off injured in Saturday’s home game against Manchester United. Estevao, 18, got off to a good start in the match but was substituted with 16 minutes remaining.
The Brazilian appears to have injured his hamstring while investigating United’s defence. Rosseniol was forced to use Alejandro Garnacho, who had an unforgettable day against his former club.
After the match, the Chelsea manager provided an update on Estevao, who is keen to play in this summer’s World Cup. “He was devastated and was crying at half-time,” Rosenior revealed.
“(We’re) really shocked for him. It looks like it was his hamstring. And it was actually the moment he ran in front of the goal. At that moment, he pulled his hamstring.”
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read more: Chelsea leave Liam Rosenior in a ‘difficult position’ questioning his future as they concede goalsread more: Chelsea star Estevao leaves the game against Man United with injury, potentially ending his season
The winger is currently in doubt for Tuesday’s trip to Brighton alongside the dying Enzo Fernandes, but Rosenior was more positive about the midfielder’s fitness. “I think it was his calf,” the Blues manager said. “I hope it’s just a cramp, but I need him on Tuesday.”
Chelsea’s fourth straight goalless defeat in the Premier League means they could be seven points clear of Champions League qualification by the end of the weekend. Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock for United in the first half, scoring with the only shot on target.
“It’s very difficult,” Rosenior lamented. “Today we were down to 10 men and they had one shot on target.
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Estebao left injured in the first half (Image: Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images)
“We had wave after wave of attacks and I think we hit the crates four times. I don’t want our team to feel like the situation is against us. We have to keep fighting.”
He added: “We have to protect the moment better. If we don’t, we will be punished. At the moment, even the smallest mistake will send the ball into the goal, so we have to change that.”
“What’s important is the result. Today we didn’t get the result we should have. It’s all the little things, but we have to keep working hard.”
After playing Brighton, Chelsea will face Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final next Sunday.
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