{
  "id": 17233272,
  "title": "Xabi Alonso explains why Estevao Willian isn’t playing for Chelsea",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/xabi-alonso-explains-why-estevao-willian-isnt-playing-for-chelsea",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-30T14:05:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/xabi-alonso-explains-why-estevao-140510111.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Xabi Alonso has explained that Estevao Willian is not playing for Chelsea FC due to the \"context of the games\". The Brazilian teenager has been restricted to starts and minutes under Alonso this season following his return from a hamstring injury that kept him out of Brazil's World Cup campaign. Despite flashes of brilliance last season, including a match-winning contribution against Barcelona in the Champions League, Estevao has only featured in six Premier League games and played seven percent of the available minutes for Chelsea this term. Alonso reassured that Estevao will get his chance, emphasizing that it's a process for the team and for him. He stated that it's not about attitude but the context of the games. Alonso admitted it's early in the season and Estevao will be important, but there's no secret that every player wants to be on the pitch. Alonso took responsibility for his decision, and everyone needs to be ready for any game. The Blues will also be without Maxence Lacroix, who is set for a spell on the sidelines due to an injury. Moises Caicedo is fit to play, and there's a chance that Emi Martinez could return before the international break. Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria are also out, with Chavarria returning to the squad.",
  "summary": "The Brazilian wonderkid has featured seldomly for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, raising doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "'He could be happier' - why is Estevao becoming Chelsea's forgotten man?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/he-could-be-happier-why-is-estevao-becoming-chelseas-forgotten-man",
        "published": "2026-10-29T00:05:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}