"He should be playing every game he can" - Pundit calls out Enzo Maresca for his mismanagement of Chelsea star

Pundit Sandro has hit out at Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca over his management of teenage sensation Estevao Willian this season. The former Palmeiras man has had to make do with a bit-part role for parts of the season since moving to London in the summer.

Former midfielder Sandro spoke with Boyle Sports about the situation of the 18-year-old forward at Stamford Bridge this season. He stated that he is not in agreement with how Maresca has managed the youngster, pointing out that he ought to be playing every available minute for his side.

"I don’t agree with how Enzo Maresca is managing Estevao at Chelsea. You have an amazing player in Estevao. He has a good moment and then you stop playing him. He should be playing every game he can. I don’t understand what’s going on to be fair because what he’s showing, the way he’s playing, I don’t know what they are saving him for. Gareth Bale played every game for us at Tottenham. You have to enjoy these players and these moments. There are ups and downs but come on, you stand the player down and his confidence will go away. Chelsea have to manage that better. He needs to play. Put him in the team and boom, he will play, and that would be good for Chelsea as well as Brazil", he said (via metro.co.uk).

Estevao has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge since his long-awaited arrival from Palmeiras in the summer. He has scored memorable goals against both Liverpool and Barcelona, and has five goals and an assist in 21 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea.

Maresca has been very cautious about throwing the teenager into the deep end, seeing as he has started only six league games this season. He will be unavailable for the trip to Tyneside to face Newcastle United this weekend due to a minor muscle problem.

Chelsea star set to be fit for Aston Villa clash

Chelsea forward Estevao Willian is set to be back in their squad for their Premier League clash with Aston Villa next weekend. The Brazil international was absent from the squad that took on Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals in mid-week due to injury.

Enzo Maresca spoke to reporters about his squad ahead of the league meeting with Newcastle United this weekend. He revealed that while Estevao will not play against the Magpies, he expects him to be back for the Aston Villa game.

"We are good. The ones that we left out for Cardiff are okay. Liam Delap and Estevao Willian are probably available for Aston Villa and Romeo is still out, Levi is still out", he said (via Football.london).

The Blues are blessed with quality depth in Estevao's position, and the absence of the youngster is not expected to be a major challenge. Pedro Neto is in fine form and should continue out wide, while the fit-again Cole Palmer is an option for the position, as well.