Alonso rules out January loan for Chelsea winger Estêvão

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso ruled out loaning Estêvão in January, despite the winger’s limited playing time.

The 19-year-old Brazilian joined Chelsea from Palmeiras and became a fan favourite last season.

He has yet to start a Premier League game under Alonso and has played only 172 minutes under the manager this season.

Estêvão returned from a hamstring injury that ended his previous season early, and Alonso says he is fully recovered.

Alonso says Estêvão needs time to adapt to the speed and physical demands of English football, as well as the team’s expectations with and without the ball.

The manager says the winger’s training and attitude have been good and that he expects him to get playing time.

Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Alonso saying the season will bring opportunities for the squad.