Chelsea's Estevao suffers hamstring injury, leaves game in tears

Manager Liam Rosenior gives disturbing update on young star's latest setback

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-angled view of a soccer match, with the players' forms abstracted into overlapping angular shapes in shades of blue and white, capturing the disruption and distress of a key injury for Chelsea.Chelsea's injury woes deepen as young star Estevao is stretchered off in tearsChelsea Today

Chelsea suffered another blow to their season as young winger Estevao was forced off injured just 15 minutes into their match against Manchester United. Manager Liam Rosenior revealed that Estevao was 'devastated' and 'crying at half-time', with the injury looking like a hamstring problem. This is the second injury in a matter of months for the Brazilian, raising concerns that Chelsea may have overused their young talent.

Why it matters

Estevao has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for Chelsea, and his latest injury is a major setback both in the short-term and potentially for his World Cup hopes. The club's handling of his fitness and workload will come under scrutiny, as they try to balance developing their young stars while also competing at the highest level.

The details

Estevao was forced off in the 15th minute of Chelsea's match against Manchester United, with Alejandro Garnacho coming on to replace him. Liam Rosenior later revealed that Estevao was 'devastated' and 'crying at half-time', with the injury looking like a hamstring problem. This is the second injury Estevao has suffered in a matter of months, raising concerns that Chelsea may have overused the young Brazilian despite trying to manage his workload carefully.

  • Estevao was injured in the 15th minute of Chelsea's match against Manchester United on April 18, 2026.

The players

Estevao

A young Brazilian winger who has been a bright spot for Chelsea this season before suffering his second injury in a matter of months.

Liam Rosenior

The manager of Chelsea, who gave the disturbing update on Estevao's injury after the match.

Alejandro Garnacho

The Argentine winger who came on to replace Estevao after his injury.

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What they’re saying

“He was devastated. He was crying at half time. It looks like a hamstring.”

— Liam Rosenior, Chelsea Manager

What’s next

Chelsea will assess the severity of Estevao's hamstring injury in the coming days to determine the length of his expected absence. The club will also likely face questions about their handling of the young star's fitness and workload.

The takeaway

Estevao's latest injury setback is a major blow for Chelsea, both in the short-term as they try to salvage their season, and potentially for the player's World Cup hopes. The club's management of the young talent's fitness will come under scrutiny, as they try to balance developing their stars while also competing at the highest level.