Estevao's World Cup in serious doubt due to Chelsea forward's hamstring injury

Estevao's participation at the World Cup with Brazil is in serious doubt due to the hamstring injury the Chelsea forward suffered during Saturday's defeat by Manchester United. Sources briefed on the injury say that Estevao has suffered a grade four hamstring injury, which would mean the 18-year-old is highly unlikely to feature at the World Cup. The tournament begins on June 11, with Brazil's opening game against Morocco two days later.

Estevao sustained the injury during the 1-0 defeat by Manchester United last Saturday. The 18-year-old limped off in the 16th minute of the game at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior confirming after the game that he was "in tears in the dressing room." The Athletic reported on April 18 that Estevao would undergo a scan to determine the severity of the issue. That scan was held on Monday afternoon, with some at Chelsea already fearing the worst before it took place.

The injury likely brings an end to Estevao's debut season at Chelsea. The Premier League side signed the winger from Palmeiras in May 2024, and he joined the club last summer. In 36 appearances, he has scored eight goals and provided four assists, with three goals coming in seven Champions League games. He has established himself as a regular member of Brazil's national team under Carlo Ancelotti. Estevao has earned 11 senior caps and has scored four goals in his last four international appearances. Following Tuesday's 3-0 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea have four Premier League matches remaining this season, as well as an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United next Sunday. As