Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that young Brazilian forward Estevao will miss the Premier League match against Newcastle United this weekend due to a muscle injury.

The 18-year-old, who has impressed at Stamford Bridge with five goals and an assist in 21 appearances, came on as a second-half substitute against Everton but was absent from the squad that defeated Cardiff City 3-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.

Speaking after the victory over Cardiff, Maresca said, “It’s a small problem, a muscle problem. He won’t be available for Newcastle. We will see for the next one.”

Chelsea’s win over the Welsh side saw a rotated squad secure a semi-final spot. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring with a composed finish, David Turnbull equalised for Cardiff, and a combination of Pedro Neto and Garnacho sealed the 3-1 triumph.

The Blues now shift focus back to the Premier League, where securing a top-four finish remains a priority. The weekend fixture against Newcastle represents a key test for Maresca’s side, who will aim for another win despite the absence of their promising young attacker.

Carabao Cup quarter-final action continues on Wednesday, with Fulham facing Newcastle and Manchester City taking on Brentford.