Chelsea's Estevao back in Brazil for "personal reasons", Rosenior confirms

Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League game against Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham, 18-year-old winger Estevao was a notable absentee when the team sheets arrived in west London. Chelsea boss Rosenior told Sky Sports the youngster had returned to Brazil for "personal reasons."

"Unfortunately for personal reasons Estevao has had to go home," Rosenior told Sky Sports ahead of the game. "My love and my thoughts are with him and his family at this moment and I just hope he’s okay."

Rosenior, who was appointed earlier this month and has made an impressive start at Chelsea, made seven changes to the side that beat Napoli 3-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Chelsea XI named for the match was: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Fernandez (c); Gittens, Palmer, Garnacho; Delap. Chelsea substitutes listed were: Sharman-Lowe, James, Acheampong, Fofana, Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Neto, Joao Pedro, Guiu.

Rosenior offered no timeline for Estevao's return, saying only that his thoughts were with the player and his family; it remains unclear when the 18-year-old will be available again.

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