According to a report by The Chelsea Chronicle on Thursday October 29, 2026, Estevão Willian was left out of Chelsea’s starting lineup for their Carabao Cup trip to Anfield, adding to a season in which he has started only twice and never in the Premier League.

The winger’s limited role may seem surprising, especially when Chelsea need a goal. But several factors appear to be shaping Xabi Alonso’s decisions: strong competition in attack, care over Estevão’s recovery from injury, and questions about how he fits into the team’s defensive system.

1. Chelsea’s leading attackers are hard to displace

Alonso has often relied on a 3-4-2-1 formation, which leaves room for only three attacking players. João Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer have made strong cases for those spots.

Pedro has been among Chelsea’s most productive players, scoring five Premier League goals and providing three assists. Rogers has also contributed regularly, with four goals, while Palmer remains central to the team’s plans.

Chelsea’s cup tie against Liverpool seemed a chance to rotate, particularly with Palmer suspended. Yet Estevão still did not start, suggesting competition for places is only part of the explanation.

2. His recovery may still be influencing his minutes

Estevão sustained a significant hamstring injury towards the end of last season, and Alonso has said the club is taking it into account.

“The Premier League and the game in England is really intense,” Alonso said, according to The Standard. “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.”

His comments suggest Chelsea are managing Estevão’s workload as he continues to build back to full fitness. If the club remains cautious, regular starts may take time.

3. Alonso may want more from him defensively

Estevão and Pedro Neto can both operate on the right, but Neto offers qualities Alonso may value in a demanding system. Although Neto has played as a wing-back, the manager has described him as a winger who can fulfil both roles.

That versatility may give Neto an advantage when Chelsea need width and defensive cover. Still, Estevão’s work rate should not be dismissed. FotMob figures cited in the original report show he covered more distance per 90 minutes than Neto last season 10.6 km compared with 10 km and recorded more running distance.

Those numbers alone cannot show how effectively a player presses, tracks opponents or holds his position. They do, however, suggest Estevão’s limited opportunities may be about tactical fit rather than effort.

For now, Chelsea’s settled forward line, Estevão’s injury history and Alonso’s demands off the ball all appear to be factors.

The Brazilian’s attacking talent is clear, but earning a regular place will likely depend on satisfying the manager across every phase of the game.