Estevao’s injury situation has been full of twists and turns. When the Brazilian winger picked up the issue, Liam Rosenior revealed that he was in tears in the dressing room. Of course, he must have been afraid of having to miss the World Cup. But then, reports came out suggesting he would be back in 15 to 20 days, in time for Chelsea’s game against Tottenham Hotspur.
That was not the end of it though. Estevao was later ruled out for the remainder of the season. And there were rumours coming out of Brazil that claimed Chelsea had wanted him to undergo surgery but the winger was not keen on that as it would mean missing the World Cup.
If accurate, that would be a worry for Chelsea. The last thing Estevao needs this early in his career is play through a fitness issue at the World Cup and make it worse.
Samuel Umtiti did something similar at the 2018 World Cup and it derailed his career completely. He went from one of Europe’s best defenders, playing for Barcelona, to having to retire at 31 years of age. Fortunately, there seems to be some positive news regarding Estevao, as the issue might not be as serious as suggested.
Chelsea fans will be relieved by Estevao injury update
According to a report in The Sun, a source close to the player said:
“We hope his recovery will be fast.
“We have little time, but his injury isn’t so complicated.”
That sounds like good news. Now, let’s hope that Estevao completes his recovery before the World Cup and no corners are cut in that process. The aim has to be to arrive in the United States fully fit and not pushing through any injury just to be there.
Estevao cannot take any risks at the World Cup
Estevao is a key player for the Brazil national team despite being just 19 years of age. He has already scored five goals for them. And with Rodrygo set to miss the summer tournament, there is a possibility that he could get a decent bit of playing time and make his presence felt at the World Cup.
That being said, for that to happen, he needs to be fully fit. If there are any doubts about his fitness by that point in time then Estevao should not take any risks, even if they feel minor.
Estevao is the brightest talent of his generation in Brazilian football. It is very likely that he will play three or four more World Cups. So, he does not need to be pushing through any sort of injury, trying to make this one.
Of course, he is 19 years of age and will be eager to represent Brazil at the global tournament. But these are the times when a player of his mercurial talent needs to be protected.
