Xabi Alonso said Estevao’s lack of physicality is behind his limited playing time so far this season.

The talented young Brazilian was again left on the bench as Chelsea were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool on Wednesday night, as a tense match finished 1-1 and the Reds triumphed after a penalty shootout.

The result leaves Chelsea with just two wins in their last six matches, and, despite heavy rotation and experimentation with lineups in that spell, Estevao cannot get a look in.

He has made a handful of substitute appearances in the Premier League and started in previous Carabao Cup matches, but Alonso opted against using him at Anfield. The striker Emmanuel Emegha was sent on in his place and missed a spot-kick in the shootout after putting in a forgettable cameo.

Speaking at full-time, Alonso said he empathised with Estevao’s decision, but that enforced substitutions for Maxence Lacroix, Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto left him hamstrung.

“I understand his situation and that he could be happier for sure,” said Alonso of Estevao.

“Every player wants to play, wants to be part of the team. We have had some intense games, and there will be moments for everything.

“I'm sure that Este will have his moment. It's my responsibility and we need to deal with that.”

Asked whether he had noticed the away end singing for Estevao to be introduced, he added: “The fans were saying a lot of things. We have started with Pedro [Neto], with Danny [Welbeck] and with Morgan [Rogers] up front. The game had very intense moments.

“We knew that it was going to be physical. And after we had to deal with Moi [Caicedo], he had little problems. Malo [Gusto], as well, he had cramps. So we were a little bit forced with substitutions.

“And now we know that the season is going to be long. And there will be moments for everyone.”

He continued, confirming Estevao’s lack of physicality is behind his limited minutes.

“Yes, we know that the Premier League and the game in England is really intense.

“You need to be up for it. Este has played, for sure, it's his second season. But he had the injury and he's in that process.

“Trust me, I'm sure the season is going to be long and Este is going to play his role.”