Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Estevao will likely be unavailable for Chelsea’s upcoming clash with Newcastle as a consequence of a muscle problem.
Estevao was missing from Maresca’s matchday squad on Tuesday night as Chelsea defeated Cardiff 3-1 to succeed in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Alejandro Garnacho accomplished a second-half brace after he was introduced on the break together with Pedro Neto, who scored the visitors’ other goal on the Cardiff City Stadium.
But news of Estevao’s injury setback took a number of the gloss of an otherwise positive evening for the Blues. The 18-year-old forward has shone in his debut season for the club, racking up five goals and an assist in his 21 appearances.
Moises Caicedo’s suspension for the primary leg of the semi-final was one other slight annoyance for Maresca, with the midfielder booked for sarcastically applauding the referee within the Welsh capital.
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Maresca’s men will learn their opponents for the semi-finals when the draw is made following Wednesday’s two quarter-final ties.
Asked why Estevao had not featured against Cardiff, Maresca told reporters: ‘It’s a small problem, a muscle problem.
‘He won’t be available for Newcastle. We are going to see for the following one.’
Maresca made sure to praise Chelsea’s substitutes, who got here on and provided some added impetus after a goalless first half.
‘These are the sorts of games where I fall in love much more with the players,’ the Italian said.
‘It’s very easy to slide, to slip, because these are tricky games. Cardiff are thoroughly organised and really intense.
‘We expected this game, knowing Ty [George] shouldn’t be playing loads, [Marc] Guiu shouldn’t be playing loads and Facundo Buonanotte not playing loads.’
On the importance of giving Chelsea’s more peripheral squad members minutes, Maresca added: ‘They aren’t playing loads they usually need physical condition and minutes to be there.
‘We were superb off the ball within the second half but we struggled to create possibilities.’
Having hinted at a possible rift behind the scenes on the weekend, Maresca thanked Chelsea’s travelling fans for the support they showed him in Cardiff.
Asked for his response to Chelsea supporters singing his name within the away end, Maresca said: ‘I’m completely satisfied. We’re going to play one other semi-final. It’s what the fans deserve.
‘It’s a terrific moment [the fans chanting his name] and I appreciate it. The support, they’ve at all times been there.’
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