Estevao Willian could make his first Premier League start for two months tomorrow and Liam Rosenior has explained why he is just as excited to have the Brazilian back as the Chelsea supporters are.
The winger was last named in Rosenior’s starting line-up for a Premier League fixture when we hosted Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on 10 February.
However, Estevao returned from injury as a substitute against Everton and then completed the full 90 minutes of our FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale, being named Man of the Match after registering a goal and an assist in a thumping 7-0 win.
Next up, we are back at the Bridge, with Manchester City the visitors in the Premier League on this occasion. Ahead of that match, Rosenior discussed the importance of having the 18-year-old available again, and the lift his ability to make things happen can give the home crowd.
‘The fans adore Estevao because he’s a magnificent player,’ said our head coach, when asked about the Brazilian during his pre-match press conference at Cobham.
‘We’ve missed him for two months and I think in the games we’ve had he would’ve made a huge difference for us in certain moments.
‘It’s great that he looks really fresh and really fit for coming back and he’s going to play a huge part for us from now until the end of the season.’
The appreciation for Estevao’s talents at Stamford Bridge, both in the dugout and the stands, will only increase if that includes a big impact in tomorrow’s Premier League meeting with Man City.