Enzo Fernandez shows true colours as Chelsea star fires Estevao message before Arsenal clash

Enzo Fernandez has offered Estevao his 'deepest condolences' ahead of Chelsea's clash against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup

Enzo Fernandez has stood by Estevao ahead of Chelsea's clash against Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The Blues could be without the 18-year-old winger, whom they signed from Palmeiras for £29million, when they lock horns with Mikel Arteta's side at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

football.london understands that Estevao missed Chelsea's dramatic win over West Ham at the weekend due to personal reasons. The Brazil international flew back to his homeland and was one of seven changes to the starting lineup.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the highly anticipated Carabao Cup tie, Liam Rosenior provided an update on Estevao. Without putting a timeline on his return, the Blues boss revealed that the teenager has been going through a 'really difficult time'.

"I don't know yet, with Este, he is a young kid who has come and been magnificent," said Rosenior when asked if there's a chance that he could play against Arsenal. "He is going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and is on compassionate leave.

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"I won't put any pressure on him; it has to be right for him, it has to be right for him, and he has to feel in the right place to perform for this team."

Then, in an interview with the club website, Fernandez echoed the sentiment of his manager. The Chelsea star said: "I’d like to send Estevao a message.

"Tell him that I send him my deepest condolences, that I support him, love him, and that we hope to see him here soon. The whole group is with him."

Estevao wasn't spotted in training at Cobham on Monday, and it remains to be seen whether or not he'll be available to face the Gunners. Meanwhile, Saturday night's goal-scorers, Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro, and Fernandez, were all involved.

As were Moises Caicedo, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Cole Palmer, Andrey Santos, Jorrel Hato, Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Benoit Badiashile, Marc Guiu, and Josh Acheampong. Romeo Lavia, who's not featured since November, was also among those involved.

Estevao may not be the only Chelsea winger to miss the Carabao Cup tie. Jamie Gittens, who suffered a hamstring injury during the dramatic win over West Ham, is also a doubt.

"I don't know the extent of the injury," said Rosenior. "It's a real shame for him because I wanted to give him a start and I wanted him to show what he could do, so for him to come off after 25 minutes is disappointing for him and hopefully it's not too bad."

With question marks over Estevao and Gittens, and Tyrique George now on loan at Everton, Rosenior may be left no choice but to start Garnacho and Pedro Neto on the flanks.