Chelsea fans and pundits alike have been left baffled by Xabi Alonso’s treatment of Estevao.The Blues boss left the Brazil winger on the bench as his side crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night. Estevao scored six goals in 33 matches during an exciting debut campaign before suffering a long-term injuryGettyDespite becoming a fan favourite during his first season at Stamford Bridge, Estevao has played just 148 minutes of competitive football under Alonso.The 19-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this season, appearing only as a substitute and playing back-up to Pedro Neto at right-wing-back. He was left out of the Chelsea starting XI in favour of Geovany Quenda – another 19-year-old with significantly less top-flight experience – for the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham. And he was snubbed completely at Anfield despite right-sided forward Cole Palmer being suspended.With Estevao expected to become one of football’s biggest stars, the whole situation has made fans question whether there is something going on behind the scenes. There are also fears the highly-rated teenager could become unsettled and look to leave the club.Explaining the Estevao decision at Liverpool, Alonso said: “I understand his situation and that he could be happier for sure.“Every player wants to play, wants to be part of the team. We have had some intense games, and there will be moments for everything.“I’m sure that Estevao will have his moment. It’s my responsibility and we need to deal with that.”talkSPORT verdict: Chelsea fans will turnEx-Premier League stars Jamie O’Hara and Jermaine Pennant warned Alonso that his treatment of Estevao risks making him unpopular among the Chelsea faithful.Could Estevao look to leave Chelsea if his playing opportunities do not improve?O’Hara said: “That’s a bad situation there for Chelsea, because I genuinely think he is a star in the making. “And if you’re playing Neto and you’ve got Cole Palmer, okay, but to not use Estevao at all, not even feature, it’s almost a bit embarrassing, right?“Come on, he’s a Brazilian star in the making and you’re just pieing him off. “And I think that’s actually going to come back and bite Alonso in the backside. I think Chelsea fans will be like, ‘Hold on a minute’.”Pennant added: “That could be one of the Achilles’ heels for Alonso, if he does not start using him. “If he’s getting results, you can be like, okay, fair enough, you’re picking a winning team. “But if you’re going away with losses and he’s not featuring, when he can be a difference, that’s when they [the fans] will start turning.”Bet £10 and get £50 in free betsBet £10 on Chelsea vs Man Utd and get 5 x £10 free bet builder bets valid on the below games:Bournemouth vs Leeds – 31st Oct 3pm KOCoventry vs Sunderland – 31st Oct 3pm KOMan City vs Brighton – 31st Oct 3pm KOTottenham vs Crystal Palace – 31st Oct 5.30pm KOAston Villa vs Fulham – 31st Oct 8pm KOClaim your £50 in free bets here.Terms: 18+ New Customers. Opt in, deposit and bet £10 or more on any pre-event market on Man Utd v Chelsea at minimum odds of (1/1+) until 12:30 UK time on 31/10/2026. Get 5 x £10 Bet Builders. Bet Builders expires at Kick Off of each game. Click for T&Cs. GambleAware.org. Please gamble responsibly.