Carlo Ancelotti is on tenterhooks over the latest news coming out of England. The injury to Estevao in his hamstring looks serious enough to put the Brazilian's participation in the World Cup at risk, according to The Athletic. It is very bad news for the Italian coach, who was counting on the Chelsea starlet as one of the regulars for his final list. A differential player, a possible tough loss.
"According to sources close to the injury, Estevao suffered a grade four hamstring injury, which means it is highly unlikely that the 18-year-old will take part in the World Cup. The tournament begins on June 11, and Brazil's opening match against Morocco will be played two days later," reported The Athletic. Estevao was injured last Saturday against Manchester United, in the penultimate defeat of a crisis-stricken Chelsea.
Medical tests confirmed the omens
The MRI scan to which Estevao was subjected would have confirmed the worst fears for Ancelotti, who saw one of his greatest talents leave the field limping noticeably at Stamford Bridge. "He was devastated, he was crying at half-time," confessed Liam Rosenior, Chelsea's manager, in the post-match press conference.
The injury to Estevao could affect Ancelotti's plans with Neymar, an issue that continues to linger in the air and generate controversy in Brazil. If Estevao is ruled out through injury, it would free up a place in the Brazil attack. It remains to be seen whether the Santos player would finally be the chosen one, after Ancelotti resisted calling him up in the last round of friendlies, despite growing pressure in Brazil to include him.