Estevao eyes Chelsea return after hamstring injury 'improvement'

The 19-year-old winger enjoyed an impressive first season in English football but has not played since suffering a torn hamstring during Chelsea's match against Manchester United in April.

The injury ruled him out of Brazil's World Cup squad, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti opting for other attacking options, including veteran forward Neymar. Brazil are set to face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage.

Despite missing the tournament, Estevao has delivered encouraging news about his recovery and believes he could soon be back on the pitch.

Speaking about the injury, the Chelsea star explained that he had torn 80 per cent of his bicep femoris muscle, a setback that initially led club medical staff to consider surgery.

"I had an injury where I tore 80 per cent of my hamstring bicep femoris," Estevao said.

"The Chelsea doctors wanted me to have surgery and even the Chelsea owner said he wanted me to have surgery."

However, a recent scan produced surprising results.

"Two weeks ago, I had a second MRI scan, and the doctor asked if I was in pain or feeling anything," he said.

"I said, 'No, doctor, I'm fine, I think I could even play already.'

"He said, 'Yeah, it really shows.' He showed me the exam image and said he couldn't see any more of the injury.

"He said he doesn't know what happened, because in the timeframe we're in, it shouldn't be that well-structured like it is."

Estevao's absence was a major blow for Chelsea during the closing weeks of the season. He was unavailable for interim head coach Calum McFarlane following the departure of Liam Rosenior.

The Brazilian also missed the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City and was unable to help Chelsea in their push for European qualification, with the Blues ultimately missing out on continental football next season.