Liam Rosenior has revealed Estevao missed Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Brentford through illness — and that some of those who did play were also feeling unwell.
The Blues have been battling a bout of flu in the camp this week, with Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens both missing from the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday after falling ill on the eve of the game.
Delap was back against Brentford on Saturday and came off the bench to earn the penalty from which Cole Palmer scored Chelsea’s second goal, but Gittens remained out of the squad.
Estevao was also not in the squad and Rosenior explained afterwards that was because of illness.
Chelsea held a meeting on Thursday in which players and staff were reminded to wash their hands well. It came after a number of staff members also fell ill, and Chelsea decided to keep ill players separated from the rest of the squad to stop the spread.
“Yeah, he was ill,” Rosenior said post-match of Estevao. “It's running through the squad.
“There were a few, I won't say who, but there were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests. They put in a magnificent effort.”
He added: “I felt that's why we weren't good with the ball. I won't give you names, it's not right for me to do that, but I'm so happy with the attitude of the group to get through this game.”
Tosin Adarabioyo put in an impressive performance in defence until he suffered a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced after 57 minutes by Wesley Fofana.
“I think it was precautionary at the moment,” Rosenior said.
“[Tosin] said he felt something in his hamstring. I don’t know if it’s serious. He said it felt better afterwards.”
Chelsea are in the market for a centre-back but Rosenior insisted another injury in that position would not alter their January priorities.
“No. We have our plans of what we want to do. That won’t make any real difference to our thinking.”
