The real reason Estevao Willian was stretchered off in latest Palmeiras match as Chelsea worries eased

Chelsea's concerns over a potential long-term injury to incoming Brazil star have been eased after the real reason he was stretchered off during Palmeiras' narrow victory over Bolivar in the CONMEBOL Libertadores was revealed.

The London club confirmed last summer that they had agreed a deal to sign the teenage forward for just under £30 million, with the fee potentially rising by a further £20 million in add-ons. He will officially join ’s side in July, following the conclusion of the Club World Cup tournament.

With a full year between the transfer being confirmed and Estevao's arrival in London, Chelsea fans have been closely monitoring the Brazilian’s performances from afar this season. So there was understandable concern this week when he was stretchered off on the hour mark of their clash with Bolivar, having already found the net shortly before half-time.

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Fortunately for Chelsea, his departure was not injury-related. Instead, it was due to sickness brought on by the high altitude in La Paz, Bolivia.

Speaking in a post-match interview, as cited by , the youngster explained: “It took me a while to get used to it and unfortunately I couldn’t continue. It was really a question of the altitude. It’s surreal here.”

The article goes on to explain that Estevao began feeling unwell at the start of the second half, having already shown signs of fatigue towards the end of the first. He collapsed to the ground and began vomiting before being stretchered off. His replacement, Mauricio, went on to score the winner in a 3–2 victory.

In a recent interview with , Estevao shed light on his decision to join the London club. “A of people are asking me why we chose Chelsea, but they don’t understand how much Chelsea wanted me, and how much belief they have in my potential,” he said.

“Those people don’t know about the project they presented to us. To a young player, these things matter a lot, and I know we’ve made the right decision to go to London.”