Report: Estevao rehabbing in Brazil with World Cup status in doubt

Field Level Media|published: Wed 6th May, 20:31 2026

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; SE Palmeiras forward Estevao (41) looks dejected after a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

Estevao is rehabilitating in Brazil using the facilities of his former squad, according to a report Wednesday from The Athletic.

The Chelsea star suffered a hamstring injury during a loss to Manchester United earlier this month. Yet, instead of working on his rehab in London, he's nursing the injury at Palmeiras, where he scored 18 goals in 62 appearances over three years.

A source revealed to The Athletic that the current arrangement is a short-term situation, with the 19-year-old expected back in London before the Premier League season ends May 24.

The injury nevertheless puts into question Estevao's availability for a World Cup appearance this summer for his native Brazil. Several outlets have referred to the hamstring injury as "grad four," which typically has a longer recovery time. As a five-time goal-scorer for his national team, his absence would be noteworthy during the tournament that begins June 11 and concludes July 19.

Estevao has two goals over 22 appearances this season for Chelsea (13-13-9, 48 points), which has three Premier Leagues games left.

--Field Level Media

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