Arsenal vs Chelsea: Fernandez offers emotional message to Estevao

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has publicly thrown his support behind teammate Estevao, who remained a major doubt for the Blues’ Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The highly rated 18-year-old winger, who joined Chelsea in a £29 million deal from Brazilian giants Palmeiras, was absent from the squad that defeated West Ham United at the weekend.

According to reports, Estevao returned to Brazil due to personal matters and is currently on compassionate leave.

Fernandez offered a touching message of solidarity to the teenager via Chelsea’s official website.

“I’d like to send Estevao a message,” the Argentine midfielder said.

He added, “Tell him that I send him my deepest condolences, that I support him, love him, and that we hope to see him here soon. The whole group is with him.”

Chelsea’s attacking options could be further stretched, with Jamie Gittens also a doubt after suffering a hamstring injury just 25 minutes into the win over West Ham.

With Tyrique George currently on loan at Everton, Rosenior may be forced to rely on Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto to fill the wide roles against the Gunners.