Most Chelsea fans thought Estevao would be handed his third start of the season on Wednesday night at Anfield, especially with Cole Palmer suspended. But he didn’t even come off the bench.

Given the Brazilian’s breakthrough into the Chelsea side last season, and having recovered from his injury, many felt that Estevao would have got more game time this season. But he’s yet to start a league match.

Last season, Estevao was available for 40 of Chelsea’s 58 games in all competitions. He started 20 of those 40 matches, coming on as a sub 16 times. This season, he’s been available for all 11 games, starting two.

When Estevao was available last season, Estevao started 50% of the games he could have started in. This season, it’s less than 20%. He’s been afforded 47 minutes of Premier League football under Alonso.

He had started against Luton Town and Leeds United in the previous Carabao Cup rounds but Alonso sprung a surprise, choosing not to start the former Palmeiras star. Alonso gave his reasons post-match.

Alonso admits Estevao isn’t as happy as he could be at Chelsea

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alonso blamed the intensity of the match and that he was forced into taking Maxence Lacroix, Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto off due to injuries and cramps.

He also admitted that Estevao could be happier at Chelsea at the moment, but reassured fans that the teenage winger would eventually get a run in the side, and will play a role in the side at some point.

“We started with Pedro, Danny and Morgan up front. The game had very intense moments, we knew that it was going to be physical. After we had to deal with Moi, he had little problems and Malo had cramps.

“We were a bit forced with substitutions. We know the season is going to be long and that there will be moments for everyone. I understand his situation, he could be happier for sure,” Alonso said.

“Every player wants to play, to be part of the team. We have had some intense games but there are so many games and I’m sure Este will have his moment. It’s my responsibility and we need to deal with that.”

Asked why Estevao didn’t come on to take one of the penalties: “At the end of the game we were quite forced at the end, the game was really close, to come straight from the bench to that level, we waited.

“We know the Premier League is very intense; you need to be up for it. Este is in his second season and he had that injury, it’s a process. The season is long and we are sure that Este is going to play his role.”

Could Alonso’s treatment convince Estevao to leave?

Even in his second and only start for Chelsea this season, Estevao was hooked at half-time against Leeds. It is quite clear that Alonso doesn’t fancy the winger currently, though the manager says it will change.

But by the time Alonso is finally willing to give Estevao minutes, could it be too late? Estevao is worried that he may have to change position under Alonso, but Frank Leboeuf believes Chelsea should cash in.

Barcelona have been told to pay £111m for Estevao, with the winger remaining one of the most-exciting teenagers in world football. It is claimed that Estevao wants talks with Alonso to understand his role.

But as the talk continues to circle Alonso over his lack of game time for Estevao, the player’s frustration is only going to grow. As we edge closer to January, Estevao could become tempted to request an exit.