Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool after suffering a 6-5 loss on penalties. Fans are asking why Xabi Alonso continues to avoid using Estevao whom he left on the bench.
The Blues took the lead from the penalty spot through Morgan Rogers in the 40th minute but the hosts replied from the spot themselves. Cody Gakpo thumped home from 12 yards three minutes later and the two sides couldn't be separated over 90 minutes.
Seven players converted their spot kicks in the shootout before Valentin Barco hit the post with his effort. But Konstantinos Tsimikas blazed over the bar to keep the visitors in the game.
Ryan Gravenberch and Emmanuel Emegha failed to find the net. Wesley Fofana missed the decisive spot-kick as Alonso's men crashed out in the Round of 16.
Chelsea weren't at their best at Anfield and failed to bounce back from a shock 2-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday. Heading into tonight's game there was more talk about Estevao and his future with the club.
The Brazilian youngster has struggled for game time under Alonso but his manager has insisted he's part of his plans. The fact he didn't come onto the pitch has concerned fans who feel he may well be considering a departure due to a lack of first-team opportunities.
Estevao had been tipped to become a superstar at Stamford Bridge, viewed in a similar light as Cole Palmer. He's been linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona since making the move to west London and Alonso's decision not to use him tonight has fuelled more talk of a possible exit.
Chelsea fans are growing frustrated with Alonso's handling of Estevao and don't understand why he's not getting a chance. Striver's Max Fretwell wrote while at the game:
"Man, this situation absolutely stinks and sucks. Estevao should have been given a chance tonight. His confidence must be in the absolute bin. Feel for him."
Presenter Olivia Buzaglo wrote: "The decision to not use Estevao is mad confusing."
One fan believes Estevao will likely be off: "Tbh I won’t even blame Estevao is he pushes for a move in January. Xavi Alonso keeps benching one of our biggest talents. How’s he supposed to develop if he can’t get a consistent playing time? Are we waiting for him to get frustrated before we realize what we have?"
Another added: "Estevao scored the winner against Liverpool in the Premier League 1 year ago, now he’s not even getting a single minute."
One wrote: "Very sad to see Estevão still not being brought on. Should be a game he’s heavily involved in. A little worrying how little game time Xabi has given him in games that need something different"
Estevao has appeared eight times for Chelsea this season, starting just two of those games. The 19-year-old arrived from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025 and had been expected to take up a starting role in the Blues' team.
