Xabi Alonso speaks on Estevao after Liverpool loss

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has spoken about Estevao's lack of minutes following the club's Carabao Cup exit at Liverpool.

The Brazilian wonderkid has endured a tough second season with the Blues and he has played just 47 minutes in the Premier League so far.

Estevao was also an unused substitute yesterday as the Blues bowed out of the Carabao Cup in the fourth round to Liverpool on penalties.

Following the game, Alonso was asked about Estevao's lack of playing time to which he responded with a surprise answer.

He said: "We know Premier League are very intense, you need to be up for it. Estevão is in his second season and he had that injury, it’s not going to be long."

Estevao's future has become a topic of speculation in recent weeks and there are suggestions that he could be loaned out at the turn of the year.

A number of Premier League sides are keeping tabs on his situation.