Estevao Willian Says He Could Have Played at the World Cup Despite Hamstring Injury

Estevao Willian has revealed that his hamstring recovery progressed well enough for him to have featured at the FIFA World Cup 2026, contradicting the medical concerns that led to his omission from Brazil‘s squad. The Chelsea winger, 19, suffered the injury during a Premier League match against Manchester United on April 18, tearing 80% of his hamstring bicep femoris.

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After he was ruled out for the remainder of the season, reports quickly surfaced that he would likely miss the World Cup. Carlo Ancelotti subsequently left the former Palmeiras attacker out of his 26-player squad, with indications that Estevao was unlikely to recover in time to start pre-season with Chelsea in July.

Estevao Speaks Out on His Recovery

Speaking at a gospel church in Brazil, Estevao pushed back on that assessment. Chelsea‘s medical staff recommended surgery on two separate occasions, a position reportedly backed by the club’s ownership. The player declined both times, opting for a conservative rehabilitation route instead.

“I had an injury where I tore 80% of my hamstring bicep femoris. The Chelsea doctors wanted me to have surgery and even the Chelsea owner said he wanted me to have surgery. Two weeks ago, I had a second MRI scan, and the doctor asked if I was in pain or feeling anything. 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.”

A Disagreement That Highlights the Complexity of Soft-Tissue Rehab

Approaching seven weeks since the injury, Estevao is closing in on the eight-week minimum recovery window that was initially projected. Whether that window referred to a return to training or competitive action was never clarified publicly, but earning a World Cup call-up was always going to require an accelerated timeline.

The divergence between player and club over the preferred rehabilitation method signals real uncertainty on both sides. Soft-tissue injuries of this severity carry genuine surgical risk if left to heal conservatively, yet Estevao‘s latest scan results appear to vindicate his decision.

With 130 senior appearances for club and country already logged at just 19 years old, this enforced layoff may prove beneficial long-term regardless of the World Cup disappointment. Follow TipsGG for the latest on Estevao‘s return to fitness and Chelsea‘s pre-season build-up.