Chelsea star in tears as worst case injury diagnosis confirmed: report

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Estevao of Chelsea reacts with an injury during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Estevao receives treatment on the pitch at Stamford Bridge (Image credit: Getty Images)

Chelsea teenager Estevao faces a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a significant hamstring injury.

According to The Athletic, scans conducted this week have confirmed a 'Grade Four' hamstring tear following the player’s early exit during last weekend's defeat to Manchester United.

Estevao ruled out for months with hamstring injury

Chelsea winger Estevao

Chelsea winger Estevao (Image credit: Getty Images)

The 18-year-old was forced off just 16 minutes into the match at Stamford Bridge after pulling up while sprinting.

Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed that the Brazilian international was 'in tears' in the dressing room at half-time, seemingly devastated by the realisation of the injury’s severity.

Estevao of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England.

Estevao has settled in rather well at Stamford Bridge (Image credit: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

This type of hamstring injury is considered the worst-case scenario for a professional athlete, typically necessitating surgical intervention and a rehabilitation period spanning four to six months.

The diagnosis officially ends Estevao’s domestic campaign and casts serious doubt on any possibility of his participation in the World Cup in North America this June, where he was slated to be a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.

Estevao's absence is a significant blow to Chelsea’s attacking options as they prepare for the final stretch of the Premier League season and this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United.

With 12 goal contributions across all competitions this term, the winger has been one of the Blues' brightest players throughout the campaign, even if consistency has occasionally deserted him during his debut European season.

The club is expected to release a further update regarding the timing of Estevao’s surgery and a projected return date for the 2026/27 season.

Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

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