LIAM ROSENIOR has refused to put a timeline on Estevao Willian’s compassionate leave.
The winger, 18, was absent for Chelsea’s 3-2 weekend win over West Ham as he was flying home to Brazil.
The Brazilian has been stalwart figure in the Chelsea side this season despite his young age.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Rosenior said: “I don’t know yet, with Este, he is a young kid who has come and been magnificent.
“He is going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and is on compassionate leave.
“I won’t put any pressure on him, it has to be right for him and he has to feel in the right place to perform for this team.”
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The Blues boss has seen exactly what Estevao’s impact can look like after he grabbed a goal and assist in their 3-1 win at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League, trailing top spot by 13 points.
The winger will be missed after already clocking minutes in 28 of this season’s 37 games.
Chelsea meet Arsenal on Tuesday’s League Cup semi-final, second-leg away meeting, as they try to overturn a 3-2 deficit.
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Estevao began playing with youth sides in Brazil before making his professional debut with Palmeiras in late 2023.
His final game for the Brazilian side came in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Chelsea.
Estevao netted the equaliser for his Brazilian side in the 53rd minute.
But it was not meant to be after Malo Gusto’s deflected own-goal ended the game 2-1.
Chelsea, the Club World Cup winners, then completed the move for the forward in a deal worth £29 million.
And Estevao made his debut at Stamford Bridge less than two months later.
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