Why Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian left the field on a stretcher in latest Palmeiras match

Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian started in Palmeiras’ 3-2 win over Bolivar in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, but he had to leave the field on a stretcher during the second half.

The Chelsea supporters are likely to be counting down the days until Estevao Willian officially joins them in the summer.

Estevao Willian will represent Palmeiras at the Club World Cup before making his switch to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

On his 18th birthday, Estevao celebrated by scoring for Palmeiras to put them 2-1 ahead against Bolivar at half time. He tapped the ball into an empty net after a great counter-attacking team goal.

Unfortunately, the Chelsea signing was forced off the pitch just before the hour mark with the scoreline at 2-2. Mauricio, his replacement, would go on and score the winning goal.

Photo by AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images

Estevao Willian stretchered off with sickness caused by high altitude

Chelsea fans will be anxious to hear that Estevao was forced off in his latest appearance this week, but the good news is that there’s no injury concern.

Globo explained that the altitude in La Paz, Bolivia, caused Estevao to be removed by Palmeiras because he was vomiting.

Apparently, the 18-year-old rising star was showing signs of fatigure and asked to be substituted early in the second period. In the 57th minute, he dropped to the ground and was sick before being taken off on a stretcher.

In his post-match interview, Estevao explained what happened via Globo: “It took me a while to get used to it and unfortunately I couldn’t continue. It was really a question of the altitude. It’s surreal here.”

Every Blues fan can breathe a sigh of relief because Estevao avoided any significant injury. Now, they can continue to enjoy watching him shine in Brazil during his final few months at Palmeiras.

Estevao Willian’s value has significantly increased in the past six months because of his consistency and attacking output.

Andrey Santos described Estevao Willian as “world-class” in a recent interview. He’ll certainly be arriving into the Premier League next season with huge pressure on his shoulders as a youngster.

Photo by AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images

Brazilian media reacts to Estevao Willian display

Despite the drama of his sickness, Estevao still played just shy of an hour after another start for Palmeiras.

The teenage attacker, who tucked in from the right wing into a No 10 position, popped up with a simple finish for his goal. While it wasn’t the type of vintage display we’ve become used to seeing from the Brazilian rising star, he still showed glimpses and delivered a key moment.

Minutes played Goals Total shots Chances created Accurate passes Successful dribbles Accurate crosses Match rating
59 1 1 1 5/8 (63%) 1 2 7.7
Estevao Willian display in Bolivar 2-3 Palmeiras via FOTMOB

Brazilian publication Globo delivered their verdict on Estevao in the match ratings from Palmeiras’ win in the Libertadores fixture.

Globo wrote: “Estevao Willian – 7/10. He was the one who felt the effects of the altitude the most. This hindered his explosive style of play, but he still scored a very important goal. He left exhausted.”



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