The 19-year-old has made just two starts this season, both in the Carabao Cup, and has not started a Premier League match under Alonso.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has defended leaving Estevao Willian on the bench for the whole of Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie at Anfield. The game finished 1-1 and Chelsea lost the penalty shootout to Liverpool. The 19-year-old Brazilian forward was not used.
Morgan Rogers, signed from Aston Villa for £117m, gave Chelsea the lead in the first half, but Cody Gakpo quickly levelled for the hosts. Midway through the second half, Alonso made a triple substitution that brought on Emmanuel Emegha, who had yet to feature for Chelsea since his summer move from Strasbourg. Emegha missed a spot-kick in the shootout. Just after the changes, Estevao, who joined from Palmeiras last summer, was seen ending his warm-up and returning to the bench.
Speaking after the defeat, Alonso said: "I understand his situation and that he could be happier for sure. Every player wants to play, wants to be part of the team." He added that the game "had very intense moments" and that Malo Gusto's cramps meant "we were a bit forced with substitutions".
On Estevao's situation, Alonso pointed to the demands of the league and the injury he has had: "Yes, we know that the Premier League and the game in England is really intense. You need to be up for it. Este has played, for sure, it's his second season. But he had the injury and he's in that process." BBC Sport interpreted those comments as suggesting the forward is still getting used to how physically demanding English football is.
Asked directly about the Brazilian, Alonso said:
"He could be happier. He wants to play. I'm sure Estevao will have his moment, it is my responsibility."
Estevao has not started any of Chelsea's eight Premier League matches since Alonso took charge in the summer. His 172 minutes this season include 125 in the Carabao Cup wins over Luton Town and Leeds United. Against Leeds he was taken off at half-time with Chelsea 1-0 down, before they won 6-3. Football365 counted 47 minutes in six Premier League appearances.
In attack, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers are ahead of him. Palmer was suspended for the Liverpool game after a second yellow card in the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham, and Joao Pedro was injured.
One of the main reasons for Estevao's wait has been Pedro Neto. Alonso has given him seven starts in eight Premier League matches, mostly as a right-sided wing-back in the 3-4-2-1. The right is also Estevao's favoured position. Neto scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Everton this month and has signed a new six-year deal. Former Reading midfielder Jobi McAnuff told Sky Sports: "Alonso tends to play Neto in that hybrid wing-back role, expecting him to get high up the pitch as well. Maybe he doesn't feel that suits Estevao, and I don't feel it does either."
Former Crystal Palace forward Clinton Morrison said: "How Estevao has not got on the pitch tonight, I do not know."
Football365 also relayed a report that Paris Saint-Germain could move for him, and that Chelsea would let him join PSG on loan in the winter window, with conditions attached: a straight loan with no option or obligation to buy, PSG covering all of his wages and some guarantee of playing time. Chelsea say they "remain committed to his long-term development and believe he can become an important player in the years ahead".
Football365 said Estevao and his camp will revisit his situation in January if he is still warming the bench in most matches.
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