Chelsea won’t be pleased with Estevao after 19-year-old ignores special request

Estevao is facing a race against time to be fit enough to represent Brazil at this summer’s World Cup in North America.

The 19-year-old was expected to be one of the tournament’s standout stars but recent injury has threatened his chances of featuring for Selecao.

The forward suffered a tear to his hamstring during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester United last month.

The severity of the injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the season and cast his World Cup into major doubt.

Estevao refuses surgery despite Chelsea’s request

Set to play no further part in the rest of the Blues’ season, Estevao was granted permission to travel back to Brazil.

Chelsea wanted their number 41 to undergo surgery, but according to Globo Esporte, because that procedure would definitely rule him out of the World Cup, he has refused.

Instead, Estevao has teamed up with his former club Palmeiras and is working on a rehabilitation program.

As well as being supported by Chelsea’s medical team in West London, the teenager is also under the care of his own private health and performance team, Volt Sports Science.

Unfortunately, the outlook is bleak, though. Despite opting against surgery, the young South American’s chances of recovering in time for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Morocco on June 13 are slim.

Those closest to the Chelsea forward are not hopeful he’ll make a full recovery in time to be included in Carlo Ancelotti’s final 26-man squad.

Chelsea must manage Estevao’s minutes better next season

Although the nature of the forward’s injury was shocking, it’s wasn’t exactly surprising. Even though Estevao has only recently turned 19, he has already made 130 senior appearances, including 11 caps for Brazil.

His club and country’s over-reliance on him has seemingly led to him suffering multiple muscular-related injuries, and this is something Chelsea will definitely want to address next season.

While it’s easy for fans to get carried away and want to see their most exciting players in action every week, it’s obvious Estevao is suffering the consequences of being overplayed.

As a result, Chelsea must manage his minutes better to ensure he does not suffer the same fate next season.

This could lead to the Blues’ sporting department recognising the need to bring in another right-sided attacker to provide cover in the summer.

During his first season at Stamford Bridge, Estevao has netted eight times, including three goals in the Champions League, and provided four assists, in 36 appearances in all competitions.