Maresca claims absent Chelsea star has “muscle problem” and won’t be able to play this weekend | OneFootball

When the team news for tonight’s game against Cardiff was announced, there was a lot of rotation, as expected.

However one player who everyone was keen to see – and expecting to see – from the usual second string, wasn’t included. Estevao Willian, the Brazilian starlet who we’ve enjoyed watching so much this season, was left out.

Some speculated immediately that this was a political point being made by Maresca. There was talk that part of his dispute with the sporting directors was due to their disappointment with his usage (or lack of) of Estevao, amongst others.

Maresca insists Estevao absence just an injury issue

Enzo Maresca looks concerned on the touchline. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

But according to Maresca himself, it was a simple injury issue which caused the winger.

“[It was a] small problem, a muscle problem, he won’t be available for Newcastle. We will see for the next one.”

Hmm. It’s a shame he wasn’t available tonight as it was a lovely chance for him to start and pick up some minutes, plus he’s such an entertainer it would have added a lot to that dire first half.

Missing him for Newcastle on Saturday is a blow too. Even when not starting, he’s our most dangerous player off the bench when we need a goal. With Cole Palmer not able to play 90 minutes at the moment, Estevao is a perfect foil.

Let’s hope he’s back sooner rather than later as we enter this hectic Christmas run.

In other news…

Maresca went to celebrate with the fans at full time and was well received by them. That’s another crucial ingredient in the fascinating soap opera developing behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues wrapped up the game with two late goals from their subs, with Maresca forced to turn to the first team to get the job done in the end.