Chelsea attacker handed huge injury boost ahead of next game despite initial 'worrying' update

Chelsea can now breathe a huge sigh of relief after a scan revealed that the injury to teenage sensation Estevao Willian was not as bad as initially feared. He could even be ready to play in the next game against Flamengo on Monday night for Palmeiras.

The Blues beat the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of 17-year-old Estevao Willian, paying £28.7 million upfront with a further £19.4 million in add-ons. The teenager does not arrive at Stamford Bridge until next summer, but the club has high plans for him and is keeping tabs on his daily activities because they believe he can truly be the next big thing in world football.

In the last three weeks, however, he suffered recurrent ankle injuries, with the latest one occurring in the 2-0 defeat to Vitoria on Saturday. The forward left the pitch in tears, and there were fears that he could be out long-term as he was unable to walk and had to be assisted by the medical team.

After the game, head coach Abel Ferreira admitted the injury was worrying. He told Globo: “It’s worrying. 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.”

But the same publication is now reporting that scans revealed the injury was a knock to the same ankle he injured two weeks ago, and the medical team is keeping an eye on him on a daily basis to see how he responds to treatment.

The news is a relief to Chelsea and Palmeiras, who face Flamengo in the Brazilian Cup knockout game on Monday. Estevao has generated a lot of interest in South American football, with Brazilian legend Neymar recently admitting he is one of the few Brazilian players that excites him.

Neymar said when asked about the new Chelsea signing: “I think Estevao is the big talent that is coming in Brazilian football. I think he will be a genius.”

Chelsea have spent heavily on young players and believe that they will soon be reaping the rewards of their foresight.