Enzo Maresca has a new headache as Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow concerning new signing, Estevao Willian, who left the pitch in tears after suffering a severe injury during Palmeiras’ clash with Vitoria.
The Brazilian giants lost 2-0 at the Allianz Parque with goals from Osvaldo and Matheus for the visitors, but their loss was compounded due to Estevao’s injury in the game.
Enzo Maresca’s side confirmed the signing of Estevao from Palmeiras earlier this summer, reportedly paying a huge sum of £48m including add-ons for the 17-year-old Brazilian.
The youngster will wait until next year, when he turns 18, before moving to England, thus continuing his development with Palmeiras until then.
But the Premier League giants received the bad news concerning the Brazilian youngster this weekend as he was forced off with an injury against Vitoria.
News of Estevao’s injury came after the Blues fell to a 4-1 demolition at the hands of Celtic in a pre-season friendly played at the Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana.
According to a report by Metro, Estevao’s injury record is becoming worrisome. He recently recovered from ankle and knee problems before returning to action over the weekend only to suffer another setback.
The Brazilian youth international injured his left ankle during this weekend’s game, which is a big concern for both Palmeiras and Chelsea.
Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira was asked about the severity of Estevao’s injury, and he confirmed it was worrying.
“It’s a shame that this happened. Football is like that, he had already been out and we could force him in the last game with the intention of him getting into rhythm for the next game,” the Palmeiras boss said.
He added, “I don’t know how serious it is, but it’s sad. Losing another option, we’ve already lost a few and this one could mean another one because of today’s injury.”
The Chelsea new boy is expected to be out for some games after the recent setback, as his current club would like to monitor his recovery progress before putting back on the pitch.