Estevao misses West Ham clash after jetting to Brazil for personal reasons

Chelsea's 18-year-old starlet Estevao missed his side's clash with West Ham after flying back to Brazil for personal reasons.

Speaking ahead of the game, manager Liam Rosenior told Sky Sports: 'Unfortunately for personal reasons Estevao has had to go home.

'My love and my thoughts are with him and is family at this moment and I just hope he's okay.'

While the reason remains private, the manager's clear concern for his teenage star suggests it is a serious matter.

Estevao has made waves in his first season at Stamford Bridge and been one of the most dangerous players since Rosenior took over.

He started in the 3-2 win over Napoli in the Champions League in mid-week and has been gaining momentum for the Blues.

Estevao scored and provided an assist in the impressive away win against Crystal Palace last weekend in the Premier League.

But he was not part of a much-changed line-up from the Champions League game.

Rosenior opted to make seven changes in total, bringing in Benoit Badiashile, Trevor Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Cole Palmer and Liam Delap.

But the decision backfired in the first half against the Hammers, who reached the break 2-0 up, prompting boos from the home fans.

It remains to be seen when Estevao will return to his club and Chelsea take on Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final before travelling to Wolves next Saturday.