Estevao's recovery is going well

Estevao's recovery is going wellImage source, Getty ImagesByNizaar KinsellaChelsea reporterPublished22 May 2026Chelsea are hopeful winger Estevao Willian will be fit enough to return early in pre-season.The 18-year-old suffered a serious hamstring tear more than a month ago in a defeat by Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.It has subsequently ruled him out of the World Cup in Brazil, but officials are hopeful Estevao will be able to play a significant part in the club's pre-season tour of Australia and Asia under new manager Xabi Alonso.That's after positive work has been done behind the scenes with Estevao having been granted over three weeks of leave to do part of his rehabilitation in Brazil before returning to Chelsea to support his team-mates in the FA Cup final and last few league matches of the season. Alonso is expected to have a strong squad available this summer, with a number of senior players not selected for the tournament.Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah and uncapped Liam Delap were not included in England's squad, while Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos also missed out for Brazil.Chelsea will play two matches in Australia before the final three fixtures in Asia.Related topicsFootballChelsea