Estevao dash back from Brazil 'says everything' about new Chelsea spirit | OneFootball

Teenager rushed back from Brazil to make himself available against Arsenal

He came off the bench for the final 30 minutes as he and Cole Palmer were used as impact subs in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

Chelsea trailed 3-2 from the first leg and were unable to turn the tie around, losing 1-0 to a Kai Havertz goal in stoppage time that sent the Gunners into the final.

Estevao was a second-half substitute againat Arsenal

AFP via Getty Images

But Rosenior praised Estevao after the match for the commitment he had shown in being back in time for the game.

“Estevao, I have to say, for him, 18 years old, to go through something very personal for him, to fly to Brazil and fly back in two days to make sure he could play in this game, says everything about the character and spirit I want for this team,” said Rosenior.

Palmer played the full match in Saturday’s 3-2 win over West Ham but is having his minutes managed carefully this season and so did not start against Arsenal.

“In terms of Cole [Palmer], Cole gave us an incredible 90-minute performance, the reason we fought back against West Ham,” Rosenior explained.

“We have to take care of him. He's a gem. We have to take care of him and make sure he's right for the whole season.

“But when he came on, his moments were top. So, all in all, [we are] disappointed not to go through against what will be a very, very good team, but we can't let this setback affect our future.”