Chelsea winger Estevao confirms rapid recovery from hamstring tear
Chelsea teenager Estevao has revealed he is pain-free and nearing a return to action following a severe hamstring tear that ruled him out of the World Cup.
The 19-year-old suffered the injury against Manchester United in April and has not featured for the Blues since.
Medical staff at Stamford Bridge, alongside the club’s ownership, initially recommended surgery after scans revealed an 80 per cent tear of his bicep femoris.
Unexpected medical clearance
Speaking at a church event in his native Brazil, the forward detailed a recent MRI scan that baffled club doctors.
“Two weeks ago, I had a second MRI scan, and the doctor asked if I was in pain or feeling anything,” Estevao explained.
“I said: ‘No, doctor, I’m fine, I think I could even play already.'”
“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.”
The medical professional admitted the rapid structural healing was highly unusual without surgical intervention.
World Cup and domestic heartbreak
The lengthy lay-off meant the highly-rated winger was excluded from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the upcoming tournament in North America.
His absence was keenly felt in west London during a turbulent end to the domestic campaign.
The young attacker watched from the sidelines as Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane, who replaced the sacked Liam Rosenior, was also unable to call upon the Brazilian as the club failed to qualify for European competition.