Chelsea Rules Estevao Out for Season With Hamstring Injury — Brazil's World Cup Plans Under Threat

Chelsea confirmed on April 24 that 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estevao will miss the remainder of the 2025–26 season after sustaining a serious hamstring injury during the club's 1–0 defeat to Manchester United on April 18, where he was forced off after just 16 minutes and was in tears at halftime. Sources told ESPN that scans revealed a 'near-complete tear' of the hamstring — a Grade 4 injury, the most severe classification. Chelsea wanted Estevao to undergo immediate surgery; Brazil's national team doctors preferred 'conservative treatment' to preserve any World Cup chance. ESPN characterized his participation as 'highly unlikely' given the June 11 tournament start. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to announce his World Cup squad on May 18; sources told ESPN there is internal CBF debate about whether to name Estevao and hope he recovers for knockout rounds. The injury deepens Brazil's attacking crisis: Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is already confirmed out of the entire tournament with a torn ACL and meniscus. Brazil's Group C matches are June 13 vs. New Zealand (Toronto), June 18 vs. Switzerland (Dallas), and June 23 vs. Côte d'Ivoire (Dallas). At 18, Estevao had been among the most anticipated players in the tournament.