![[Subscription Customers Only] Jun 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) General view of Chelsea's logo as fans look on inside the stadium before a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/31124546/why-is-estevao-not-playing-01-31-26-1920x1246.jpg "Why Is Estevao Not Playing for Chelsea Against West Ham United? Report Reveals Departure Due to Personal Reasons")
Chelsea locked horns with West Ham United at Stamford Bridge this Saturday, Jan. 31, with the club hoping to rise up to fourth spot in the Premier League. However, they were without Estevao Willian during their match against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Estevao’s Recent Chelsea Absence Explained
Ahead of their Premier League home clash against West Ham, Chelsea announced that Cole Palmer will start in a 4-2-3-1 setup. They also confirmed that Palmer will be surrounded by Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, with Estevao not even on the bench.
According to The Daily Mail reporter Kieran Gill, Estevao was unavailable for the Blues’ match against West Ham due to personal reasons. The 18-year-old winger travelled back to his home country, Brazil, prior to the start of the league game.
Estevao missing for #CFC due to personal reasons and has travelled back to Brazil
— Kieran Gill (@kierangill_DM) January 31, 2026
Estevao, widely regarded as one of the hottest South American talents now, has popped up as an excellent squad option for his side this season. Since leaving Palmeiras in a potential $67 million move last summer, he has quickly grown into a fan favorite.
The 11-cap Brazil international, whose current contract will expire in June 2033, has netted six goals in 29 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea so far. He has also recorded three assists in 1312 minutes of action for the Blues this campaign.
On the other hand, former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson has stated that ex-Chelsea star Raheem Sterling could prove to be a good free transfer for any club.
READ MORE: Liam Rosenior Tells Chelsea To Immediately Recall $29 Million Star
“He’s got to find a club now but (the Blues contract termination) gives him a lot of flexibility because effectively, he can play for any level of salary that he wants… which means that it opens up more opportunities both here and abroad if he wants to go. It certainly makes the negotiation easier. He’s already got most of the money,” he told Football Insider.
“I think it’d be a surprise if nobody comes in for him. But it’s hard to get back to top level if you’ve not played properly for quite a long time now. He barely played for Arsenal while he was on loan… so, he’s barely played really at a high level for almost two years maybe. But, he’s only 31. I think if he hit the ground running somewhere, he could be a great signing,” Borson added about the former Manchester City and Liverpool winger.
Sterling, who turned 31 last December, produced 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 games in all competitions for the Blues. The Englishman, who left Manchester City in 2022, last featured in a senior contest while on loan at Arsenal in May 2025.
