According to a report by Metro on Monday, October 26, 2026, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has urged manager Xabi Alonso to increase Estevao’s playing time, warning that the Brazilian youngster could consider leaving Stamford Bridge if his situation does not improve.

The former Nigeria international believes Chelsea must find a way to give the 19-year-old more opportunities to feature in the first team, despite the competition for attacking positions at the Premier League club.

Estevao made an impressive start to life at Chelsea after joining from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025, recording eight goals and four assists during his debut campaign. However, a serious hamstring injury brought his season to an early end in April and prevented him from featuring for Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The forward has struggled to establish himself in Alonso’s starting lineup this season, with his only two starts coming in the Carabao Cup. Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have formed Chelsea’s preferred attacking combination, leaving Estevao with limited opportunities to impress.

Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel acknowledged that the quality of Chelsea’s attacking options had made it difficult for a young player like Estevao to secure regular starts. However, he maintained that the Brazilian had performed exceptionally well since joining the club and deserved more opportunities.

Mikel also noted that Estevao possessed considerable natural ability but needed a manager who could guide his development and help him fulfil his potential. He suggested that the teenager’s physicality and decision-making might be areas Alonso was assessing, although he stressed that these observations were not intended as criticism.

The former Chelsea midfielder recommended that Alonso rotate his attacking players more frequently to ensure Estevao receives sufficient minutes without disrupting the team's established chemistry. He argued that introducing the youngster during the second half of matches would allow him to build rhythm and remain prepared for opportunities in the starting lineup.

Mikel further expressed concern over reports that Estevao had become frustrated with his limited involvement, with Barcelona reportedly interested in signing the Brazilian.

He warned that Chelsea should avoid losing a talented young player who could contribute to the club for many years. In his view, Alonso needed to find a way to involve Estevao more consistently, even if the forward did not immediately become a regular starter.

The former Nigeria international also suggested that Chelsea’s hierarchy might be encouraging Alonso to give the teenager more playing time, particularly if the player’s representatives were seeking assurances about his development.

Mikel emphasised that Estevao needed opportunities to test himself against top-level opposition in the Premier League and Champions League rather than relying mainly on domestic cup appearances.

He also encouraged the youngster to demonstrate his determination during training, compete strongly with his teammates and show his personality while remaining respectful.

Chelsea will next face Liverpool away in the Carabao Cup before returning to Premier League action against Manchester United. Alonso will hope to improve the team's results while finding more opportunities to develop one of the club's promising young attacking talents.