Chelsea’s young winger Estêvão has slipped into a serious hamstring crisis after a brief appearance against Manchester United. Forced off after 16 minutes, the injury proved worse than first thought, leaving his season and a possible World Cup spot in jeopardy. The diagnosis, revealed by Monday scans, shocked both club and national camps in today.

Estêvão, 18, has already featured in 36 Chelsea matches, netting eight goals and delivering three assists. For Brazil, he tallies five goals from 11 caps. With the national side set to name its squad on May 18, the Confederation weighs whether keeping him for knockout stages justifies the risk posed by his injury that day.

Chelsea’s next fixture is the FA Cup clash against Leeds on April 26, a match that could expose gaps in their attack without Estêvão. The club’s reliance on his pace and creativity has become evident, and his absence may force a tactical reshuffle as the team battles to keep its title hopes afloat.

Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to announce the squad on May 18, and the federation is debating the merit of an additional call‑up. If Estêvão recovers, he could join the side for the opening fight against Morocco on June 13 at MetLife Stadium, but until then his future remains uncertain in 2026 World Cup.