Enzo Maresca plans to be patient with Estevao’s progression and hinted the teenager will again be a substitute against West Ham.
The 18-year-old made his competitive debut for Chelsea as a 54th-minute substitute in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace, impressing with a lively cameo on the right wing at Stamford Bridge.
That has prompted calls from some in the Chelsea fanbase for the Brazil international to start for Friday’s London derby away to West Ham.
But Maresca said he is mindful of the young star’s age and came across as reluctant to start Estevao in the Premier League at this early point of the season. If he does not start, it is expected that Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens will remain the starting players on either flank at the London Stadium.
“He is doing well, since he arrived with us,” Maresca said. “Even in the training sessions. But, for me, he needs a path.
“He is very young, so we have to be careful. He can be an option for tomorrow from the start, for sure, after the Palace performance. But we will see also after [Friday’s training] session, and then we will decide.”
Maresca also dismissed the idea of another Brazilian youngster in Andrey Santos leaving the club either on loan or permanently.
Standard Sport reported earlier this week that West Ham had explored signing Santos for around £45million but were immediately informed the 21-year-old is not for sale.
“I’m very happy with Andrey,” Maresca said. “I’m very happy with Andrey staying here with us.
“He can play in Enzo’s position for sure, he can play in Moises’ position for sure. He played one game in the Club World Cup against Palmeiras where he was very good as a No6. The good thing is he can play in both positions very well.”
