Alonso promises Estevao opportunities after Chelsea cup exit

Chelsea were eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Liverpool on October 28 after a 1-1 draw and a penalty shootout, with teenage winger Estevao Willian left unused. After the match, Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged the 19-year-old could be unhappy with his limited playing time and said he would get opportunities during the season. Alonso said the match’s physical demands and problems affecting Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto influenced his substitutions. Caicedo had minor problems and Gusto suffered cramps, Alonso said, leaving Chelsea with fewer options as the game progressed. Chelsea also substituted Maxence Lacroix, who was reported to have a hamstring injury. Emmanuel Emegha came on for Danny Welbeck and later missed a penalty in the shootout. Estevao had started Chelsea’s previous two Carabao Cup matches but did not play at Anfield, even as the club was without Cole Palmer through suspension and Joao Pedro through injury. He was seen warming up, and travelling supporters chanted for him during the second half. Alonso said he understood the winger’s position and accepted responsibility for managing his opportunities, while emphasizing that the season was long. The...