Estêvão opts against surgery, goes to Brazil for rehab amid slim World Cup hopes — report

TL;DR

Estêvão has opted against surgery for his severe hamstring injury and is undergoing rehabilitation in Brazil, aiming for a spot in the World Cup squad. Chelsea's medical team recommended surgery, but he is working with his own health team instead.

Key points

Estêvão suffered a severe hamstring injury.
He opted against surgery and is rehabbing in Brazil.
Chelsea's medical team recommended surgery.
Estêvão is working with a private health team.
His chances of making the World Cup squad are slim.

Mentioned in this story

Carlo Ancelotti

EstêvãoChelseaPalmeirasBrazil National Team

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Andrey Santos and Estêvão of Chelsea after their sides 1-0 win during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) | Getty Images The hamstring injury suffered by Estêvão against Manchester United a couple weeks ago is said to be about as bad as it gets for such injuries, but the youngster has apparently opted against surgery (for now anyway) and is attempting to rehab it conservatively with faint hopes of a World Cup squad spot evidently on his mind still as well. And if that wasn’t a frustrating enough sentence already, it would appear that the youngster is doing his rehab in Brazil for some unfathomable reason. We saw Estêvão at the FA Cup semifinal, celebrating our win, but he’s now gone away to use the facilities at his old club, Palmeiras instead. According to Globo Esporte, he’s doing so under the supervision of Chelsea, but also working with his own private “health and performance” team at the same time. Chelsea’s medical team had suggested surgery, but the youngster and his “team” have chosen otherwise. Ugh. The 19-year-old is undoubtedly hoping that by some miracle of miracles he does recover in time for the World Cup, which starts in a little over a month, but that’s highly unlikely, at best — though Brazil are still “monitoring” the situation with the squad announcement due in a couple weeks. National team head coach Carlo Ancelotti does love the kid, but surely there’s no real chance of him going. It’s obviously a disappointing and frustrating situation for all involved, but risking further injury (and recurring injury) is hardly worth it. We’ll be lucky to have Estêvão back for the start of next season, let alone back to his best self anytime soon.

Q&A

What injury did Estêvão suffer and how serious is it?

Estêvão suffered a severe hamstring injury described as 'about as bad as it gets' for such injuries.

Why is Estêvão doing rehab in Brazil instead of London?

Estêvão is rehabilitating in Brazil at his former club Palmeiras, while still under Chelsea's supervision, to utilize their facilities.

What are Estêvão's chances of making the World Cup squad?

Estêvão's chances of making the World Cup squad are slim, as Brazil is monitoring his recovery, but it is considered highly unlikely.

Estêvão opts against surgery, goes to Brazil for rehab amid slim World Cup hopes — report

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Jeglertz reveals 'the one thing' that ended City's runners-up curse

Vallekas contra el Neudorf: dos siglos de clase obrera en una semifinal

RCB vs LSG head-to-head IPL: Last 5 matches, records at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru and Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Did Yuzvendra Chahal vape on a flight? Arshdeep Singh posts, then allegedly crops viral video amid Riyan Parag vaping row

What happened in the last 5 IPL matches at Ekana Cricket Stadium? Results, toss trends and Lucknow pitch report

Higgins returns in one Irish change for Wales game

More from Sports