New Chelsea signing Estevao Willian “left the pitch in tears” after suffering an injury for Palmeiras on Saturday night.
Earlier this summer, Chelsea reached an agreement to sign the 17-year-old from Brazilian side Palmeiras, paying €34 million (£28.7m) up front plus a further €23m (£19.4m) in add-ons.
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The Brazilian will not transfer to Stamford Bridge until he turns 18 next year, but Chelsea have already identified Estevao as an attacking player who can immediately compete for a place in the first team.
However, Chelsea will be concerned after Estevao’s latest appearance for Palmeiras ended prematurely when he was forced off in the second half of the 2-0 defeat to Vitoria on Saturday.
Estevao had only recently recovered from sprains to his left ankle and knee before returning this weekend.
But Estevao has now suffered a fresh setback as he rolled his left ankle during an attacking move on Palmeiras’ right flank.
Estevao stayed down for over a minute before receiving treatment from Palmeiras’ medical staff. He was immediately replaced and had to leave the side of the pitch on a buggy.
Estevao was seen “in tears” with his shirt over his face as he spoke with Palmeiras’ medical team on the side of the pitch.
When asked about Estevao’s injury after his side’s defeat, Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira said: “It’s worrying.
“Above all, we had losses in the defensive sector, we have fewer options without Murilo and Piquerez.
“It’s a shame that this happened. Football is like that, he had already been out and we could force him in the last game with the intention of him getting into rhythm for the next game.
“I don’t know how serious it is, but it’s sad. Losing another option, we’ve already lost a few and this one could mean another one because of today’s injury.”
Estevao is now an early doubt for the first leg of Palmeiras’ Copa do Brasil last-16 tie against Flamengo next Thursday.
