Alonso rules out loan talks for Chelsea winger Estêvão

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has said there have been no discussions about loaning out Estêvão, even though the winger has seen little action this season. Asked whether the forward could be allowed to leave in January, Alonso told ESPN that a loan had not been discussed.

The 19-year-old, who arrived from Palmeiras, has managed only 172 minutes under Alonso and has yet to start a Premier League match. "Sure, he will play," Alonso said, adding that he expected Estêvão to get his games and minutes over the course of the season.

The manager said the Brazilian is fully recovered and that his attitude has been good, insisting the issue was the context of games rather than his behaviour. His path into the side has so far been blocked by a front three of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and João Pedro.

Estêvão made his name last season with a stoppage-time winner against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in October, though a hamstring injury ended his campaign in April and cost him a place at the World Cup. He was an unused substitute on Wednesday as Chelsea went out of the Carabao Cup to Liverpool at Anfield.

Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday without Maxence Lacroix, who is out until after the November international break with a hamstring injury. Moisés Caicedo is fit despite taking a knock at Anfield, and kick-off is at 19:30 Thai time.