Xabi Alonso denies possibility of Estêvão loan in January

Xabi Alonso denied that there had been discussions about loaning Estêvão Willian in January, after the Brazilian’s limited playing time raised concerns among some Chelsea fans that he could leave midway through the season.

Estêvão has played 172 minutes this season, including 80 minutes against Luton. Alonso said the player would get opportunities as the season progressed, noting that it was still early in the season and that allocating minutes was part of a process involving the team, the player and the coach.

Alonso ruled out Estêvão’s limited playing time being linked to his conduct in training, attributing it to the circumstances of matches and the start of the season. He added that the player, who he noted had recovered from an injury in his first year, would become important to the team.