Xabi Alonso explains why he didn’t play Estevao for one minute in Chelsea cup loss

Xabi Alonso has waffled on about Estevao without giving any real reason for his absence from the pitch today.

Chelsea were beaten by Liverpool in the EFL Cup last night – but all anyone wanted to talk about was Estevao.

The young winger didn’t get on the pitch at all, in a game most fans expected him to start.

If he can’t get a minute in a cup game we’re losing, with multiple attackers missing the game, when can he get a minute?

Alonso gives long, empty answers about winger

As ever, Alonso wasn’t giving much away:

“Well, we started the game with Pedro [Neto], with Danny [Welbeck] and with Morgan [Rogers] up front. The game had very intense moments. We knew that it was going to be physical.

“And after we had to deal with Moi [Caicedo], he had little problems. Malo [Gusto], as well, he had cramps. So we were a little bit forced with substitutions. And now we know that the season is going to be long. And there will be moments for everyone.”

He expanded, without giving any more clarity on the actual reasons for Estevao’s absence:

“I understand his situation and that he could be happier, for sure. Every player wants to play, wants to be part of the team. We have had some intense games and there will be moments for everything. I’m sure that Este will have his moment. It’s my responsibility and we need to deal with that.”

In other news…

Estevao didn’t get on the pitch during the game – but fans sang his name through the second half. It’s a strange situation.

Chelsea lost Maxence Lacroix at the end of the first half, with the defender picking up what looks like a hamstring injury.