Ancelotti won't let Xabi Alonso decisions dictate Chelsea youngster's future with Brazil

Brazil manager Ancelotti says he won't let Alonso's limited use of Estêvão at Chelsea affect his selection, backing the 19-year-old to develop despite struggling for Premier League minutes.

Estêvão has managed just 204 Premier League minutes for Chelsea this season under Xabi Alonso, with the winger struggling to break into a side that favours Pedro Neto on the wing and has Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers competing for central attacking roles.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti, however, is unconcerned by the youngster's lack of club football. Speaking ahead of Brazil's upcoming matches against Japan and Singapore, Ancelotti made clear he will continue to back Estêvão regardless of his Chelsea situation.

"Even if he doesn't play a single minute at Chelsea, we'll keep following him until we decide he's no longer useful to the national team," Ancelotti said. "As long as we think he's useful, we'll keep following him and giving him opportunities to develop as a 19-year-old. We have different objectives to Chelsea."

Estêvão has scored five goals for Brazil under Ancelotti, including his only goal of 2024 against India. At Chelsea, he is yet to score or assist in the league, though he was notably Chelsea's best attacker against Manchester United before two goals were ruled out.