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Chelsea have not made any decision regarding Estevao’s future, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Brazilian’s absence from the team for the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool on Wednesday has prompted speculation that he could leave during the January transfer window, but speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:

“There is still no transfer alert at Chelsea. The club are not in a position where they feel they need to sell Estevao or find a solution for him in January. That is not the situation as things stand.”

“Obviously, the next few months will be important when you have a player as young as Estevao. Giving him time and allowing him to develop are important. He needs to play. He has to play. This is a special talent.”

“Alonso’s point is also about the competitions. Chelsea do not have European football, and they are now out of the Carabao Cup. That means the number of games available is limited, and that is another factor.”

“At the moment, however, there is no alert or immediate move at Chelsea to find a solution for Estevao in January. November, December, January and the following months will obviously be important in making sure Estevao is really happy at the club.”

What has Alonso said about Estevao’s limited game time?

Asked to explain the omission of the teenager for the game at Anfield midweek, Xabi Alonso said he felt that the fixture was too “intense” for the player.

That has been interpreted to mean that Estevao was not trusted by his manager to play in such an important fixture, leaving many to wonder what that means for his future.

Would Chelsea let the forward leave?

As Romano points out, there is currently no desire to sanction Estevao’s departure, but if Alonso continues to overlook him between now and the New Year, then the player may push for a departure either on loan or on a permanent basis.

So far this season, the 19-year-old has played 172 minutes of football, with his only starts coming in the Carabao Cup ties against Luton Town and Leeds. In the latter game, though, he was hauled off at halftime.

Estevao has struggled to get on the pitch in the Premier League, with the 18 minutes he played against Tottenham last weekend the most that he has featured in any fixture.