Xabi Alonso explains Estêvão's limited playing time at Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has addressed the limited playing time of Brazilian winger Estêvão this season, according to reports from Placar, Terra, and Metrópoles. The explanation comes after the team's elimination from the English League Cup.

A season of few opportunities

Estêvão has struggled for minutes at Chelsea, with Terra describing his start to the season as marked by a lack of opportunities. The Brazilian has not scored a single goal so far this campaign.

According to Metrópoles, Estêvão has played 197 minutes for Chelsea this season, averaging 24.6 minutes per match.

Coach's justification

Alonso justified the reduced playing time for the young winger, as reported by Placar. The coach's comments follow Chelsea's elimination from the English League Cup, though the specific reasons he gave were not detailed in the reports.

Mixed coverage

While all three Brazilian outlets covered the situation, their focus varied. Placar and Metrópoles centered on Alonso's explanation, while Terra highlighted Estêvão's lack of goals and playing time, calling him "ignored" by the coach.

Estêvão's next opportunity to feature for Chelsea will depend on the manager's selections in upcoming matches.