Xabi Alonso has confirmed Estevao Willian will get his opportunities at Chelsea this season. The manager explained the Brazilian teenager's limited Premier League involvement is a product of the campaign's early stage and his return from a hamstring injury, not any issue with his application.
Alonso stated the 19-year-old forward is training well and will have his moment as the fixture list grows more congested. "Sure, he will play, the season is long, there will be moments for everyone," Alonso said. He compared Willian's situation to other squad members who have also seen irregular minutes, emphasising the need for patience and readiness for the intensity of English football.
Limited involvement so far
Estevao Willian has been restricted to just six Premier League appearances this term, totalling 172 minutes of action. That figure represents only seven per cent of the available playing time for Chelsea. The young attacker, who missed the World Cup with Brazil due to the hamstring problem, has been used sparingly off the bench. He is yet to start a league match for the club.
Context of recent results
Alonso's comments come after a demanding period for Chelsea, who lost a home league match to Tottenham and were then eliminated by Liverpool in a penalty shootout in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday. Alonso described that cup tie as a "physical" encounter which left doubts over the fitness of players like Malo Gusto, though he confirmed midfielder Moises Caicedo is fully fit.
The manager pointed to the size of his 27-player squad as a reason for managing minutes carefully. "We started with Pedro, Morgan and Danny Welbeck, and the game had very intense moments," Alonso said, referencing the Liverpool match. "We knew it was going to be physical, and Malo had cramps, so we were a bit forced with substitutions."
Alonso further explained that the club's medical staff are being cautious with players returning from injury, a factor in Willian's gradual reintroduction. He praised the player's attitude in training and his understanding of the process.
Chelsea's next challenge is a Premier League fixture against Manchester United on Saturday, a match where Alonso may look to rotate his options given the quick turnaround from the midweek cup exit.
Read the full report at AOL.co.uk
