Liam Rosenior has shared how Chelsea star Estevao Willian cried following an injury setback in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.
It is the latest setback for the Blues in their pursuit of a top-five finish and Champions League football next season.
While Enzo Fernandez, captaining the side yesterday after an internal two-game suspension, was also forced off with a worrying calf problem.
The injury for Estevao could put his appearance at this summer’s World Cup with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil at risk.
“He was crying at half time; it was really devastating for him,” Rosenior said, with Chelsea four points off fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
“It looks like it’s his hamstring and that has happened in a moment when he’s running through on their goal for a one-v-one chance – he pulls his hamstring in that moment. I hope Este comes back sooner rather than later.”
While Fernandez could return sooner, with the hope that it was just cramp, though he is now a major doubt for Tuesday’s clash with Brighton.
“I just saw him in the dressing room – I think it was his calf,” Rosenior said, with Fernandez seen rolling off the pitch after going down in the closing stages of the match.
“I’m hoping it’s cramp; he’s getting work on it right now because we want him, obviously, fit for Tuesday [against Brighton and Hove Albion].
“He ran himself into the ground for the club tonight and I expect nothing different from a man of his stature and quality.”
Rosenior also conceded Chelsea face an uphill battle after failing to close the gap on the top five, with sixth unlikely to earn qualification in the Champions League next season.
“It’s not insurmountable but it gives us a mountain to climb and we have to go into Brighton [on Tuesday] with an idea that we have to win that game and kick-start the rest of our season,” Rosenior said.
