Chelsea plunged into fresh crisis as Estevao learns true extent of injury blow

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Chelsea forward Estevao Willian suffered a hamstring injury during the defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League last weekend

Chelsea have been handed a major blow following an update on Estevao Willian's hamstring injury. football.london understands that Estevao has suffered a grade four injury, and is now a major doubt to return for Chelsea before the end of the season.

The Blues forward was substituted just 16 minutes into the defeat to Manchester United last weekend and went on to miss Tuesday’s loss away at Brighton.

The 18-year-old is also unlikely to feature for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, which is being hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Estevao hobbled off the pitch at Stamford Bridge after suffering the injury before heading straight down the tunnel to receive further treatment.

The update will hand Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior a major blow to the club’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, having dropped to seventh place following the defeat to Brighton on Tuesday evening.

Rosenior offered an update on Estevao’s injury following the 1-0 loss at the hands of the Red Devils at the weekend, revealing that the Brazilian was in tears at the half-time interval.

"He [Estevao] was crying at half time; it was really devastating for him,” Rosenior said after the defeat to United on Saturday.

“It looks like it's his hamstring and that has happened in a moment when he's running through on their goal for a one-v-one chance – he pulls his hamstring in that moment.

"I hope Este comes back sooner rather than later."

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Estevao officially joined Chelsea last summer following his move from Brazilian club Palmeiras, and has scored eight goals across 36 appearances during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea now have four Premier League fixtures left to play this season and are unlikely to have Estevao available before the end of the campaign.

The Blues also have an FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United to prepare for, which will see the Blues make the trip to Wembley Stadium this weekend.

The defeat to Brighton leaves Chelsea in seventh place in the Premier League table and seven points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand and occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.