Estevao Ready to Feature as Chelsea Host Leeds in Cup

Estevao is in line to play a significant part for Chelsea against Leeds on Wednesday after Alonso confirmed the 19-year-old is fully involved and ready to contribute.

Chelsea host Leeds at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup third round, looking to respond immediately after their first competitive defeat since Alonso took charge. Estevao impressed from the bench against Arsenal on Sunday, forcing David Raya into a late save that nearly secured a point against the champions.

Quick facts

Estevao has appeared as a substitute in two of Chelsea’s first three Premier League games.
The teenager made 12 league starts last season and registered eight goals across all competitions.
Levi Colwill is available again after a fitness concern kept him among the substitutes against Arsenal.
Moisés Caicedo, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson remain unavailable.
Chelsea have beaten Leeds in two recent cup meetings, while Leeds have not won at Stamford Bridge since December 1999.

Alonso said Estevao’s training performances and mentality have kept him firmly in the picture. The Chelsea boss believes the youngster has a major role to play, while stressing that he is still learning and adapting during what will be a long campaign.

Estevao has responded positively to his current situation, with Alonso praising his hunger, daily preparation and willingness to compete for the team. The coach declined to reveal details of any private discussions with the player.

Colwill gives Chelsea a defensive lift after being fit enough only for the bench in the Arsenal loss. Caicedo and Palestra are nearest to a return, but neither will be rushed back.

Alonso said Chelsea will assess the pair match by match rather than take an unnecessary early gamble. Emegha and Henderson are also still sidelined.

Palestra joined from Atalanta in July and had made a strong impression during pre-season before sustaining an injury shortly before the opening match against Fulham. Alonso said the right-back arrived with energy and ambition, and insisted Chelsea will need his potential and qualities once he returns.

Wednesday marks the third cup clash between Chelsea and Leeds in four seasons. Chelsea won their FA Cup fifth-round meeting in 2024 and also eliminated Leeds in the semi-finals in April.

Leeds’ last victory at Stamford Bridge came in a 2-0 Premier League win in December 1999. Chelsea now have the chance to extend that long home run and move into the next round.