Alonso says Estevao will get opportunities after unused substitute role at Anfield

Xabi Alonso has acknowledged Estevao's frustration over his limited playing time at Chelsea, while saying the Brazilian will receive opportunities during the season. Speaking after Wednesday's Carabao Cup elimination at Liverpool, the manager defended his selection decisions and accepted responsibility for finding chances for the 19-year-old, according to BBC Sport.

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Estevao remained an unused substitute at Anfield as Chelsea lost a penalty shootout after Morgan Rogers' opening goal had been cancelled out by Cody Gakpo. Alonso made all five of his substitutions without introducing the forward. A triple change during the second half included Emmanuel Emegha, making his first appearance since arriving from Strasbourg in the summer, and Estevao subsequently ended his warm-up and returned to the bench.

Alonso said the match had involved particularly intense spells and that Chelsea had anticipated a physical contest. He also explained that cramps suffered by Malo Gusto had restricted some of his substitution choices. Asked specifically about Estevao, the manager said the player wanted to play and could be happier, but maintained that a long season would bring opportunities for different members of the squad.

BBC Sport reported that Estevao has not started any of Chelsea's eight Premier League matches since Alonso took charge in the summer. His playing time across all competitions totals 172 minutes, including 125 in the earlier League Cup victories against Luton Town and Leeds United. He has started only twice this season and was taken off at half-time against Leeds, when Chelsea trailed 1-0 before going on to win 6-3.

Competition for places has included Pedro Neto, who has started seven of the eight league games and scored four goals in 11 appearances across competitions. The Portugal international has primarily occupied a right-sided wing-back position in Alonso's 3-4-2-1 formation and has signed a new six-year contract. Against Liverpool, Chelsea began with Neto, Rogers and Danny Welbeck, while Cole Palmer was suspended and Joao Pedro was injured.

Estevao joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last summer and scored a late winner against Liverpool in October of his first season. This time, his involvement was limited to watching from the bench. Alonso's response after the defeat offered a commitment to future opportunities, but the manager did not identify a particular fixture in which the Brazilian would return to the starting side.