Alonso confident Estevao's time will come at Chelsea

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has said he believes the moment will come for young talent Estevao, who has struggled for game time this season, to shine for the team.

Estevao made an impressive breakthrough for Chelsea last season, recording 8 goals and 3 assists in 36 appearances before an injury brought his campaign to an early end.

This season, however, the 19-year-old has played just 172 minutes across eight matches, only two of them as a starter. While he has yet to make a direct goal contribution this term, he has attempted 7 shots, created 6 chances and completed 5 of his 14 attempted dribbles.

Estevao played regularly for Brazil during the international break, but since returning he has featured in only two of Chelsea's four matches, both times off the bench. His presence on the bench in Wednesday's EFL Cup defeat to Liverpool, despite the absence of Cole Palmer and João Pedro, fuelled further debate about his playing time.

Addressing Estevao's situation, Alonso said: "I understand his situation, he could definitely be happier. Every player wants to play and be part of the team. We have come through a very intense run of matches and there is a time for everything. I am sure Estevao's turn will come. This is my responsibility and we need to manage this situation properly."

Estevao's next opportunity to feature will be Saturday's Premier League match, in which Chelsea host Manchester United. The London club will also face Sunderland before the November international break.