Estevao Willian handed five-word warning as Chelsea exit raises transfer question

Estevao Willian is hoping to make his full Premier League debut against West Ham United (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)

"We have to be careful," replied Enzo Maresca when asked about Estevao Willian and the chance of the Brazilian teenager making his full Premier League debut for Chelsea against West Ham United.

The 18-year-old made his competitive debut for the club on Sunday afternoon with Maresca introducing the exciting talent with around 35 minutes remaining against Crystal Palace. Estevao received a fantastic ovation from the majority inside Stamford Bridge, with Blues supporters expecting the winger to become a world-beater in the future.

While Estevao shone during his cameo , Maresca has warned against expecting too much from someone of such a young age. Chelsea go to West Ham on Friday night as the Blues search for their first victory of the season and while the head coach hinted he could start at the London Stadium, he also acknowledged the club need to be careful with how they use the Brazilian.

"He is doing well since he arrived with us," Maresca said on Estevao. "Even in the training sessions. But, for me, he needs a path. He is very young, so we have to be careful.

"He can be an option for tomorrow from the start, for sure, after the Palace performance. But we will see also after today's session, and then we will decide."

Pedro Neto started on the right wing against Palace five days ago, with Jamie Gittens making his debut on the opposite flank. The latter struggled and there could be a world where Neto moves to the left and Estevao comes in on the right.

One man who will not be involved is Nicolas Jackson. The 24-year-old striker has informed Chelsea he wishes to explore a move away from the club this summer and there is plenty of interest in his signature.

However, nothing is advanced yet - and while Jackson is eligible once again after missing the weekend's draw with the Eagles because of suspension, the striker will not be included in the matchday squad. Chelsea are willing to sell Jackson but only if the price is right.

If Jackson is to leave, Chelsea will be back down to two striker options in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap . It is uncertain whether the Blues will enter the market for another option, with Christopher Nkunku also seeking a departure before the September 1 deadline.

"I think it's better for Nico if what he desires, is going to happen," Maresca said on Chelsea's No.15. "It's not about three or four strikers. If Nico's desire together with the ones that decide in terms of stay or leave because... probably you want to leave but you need someone that is going to buy you. It's not so easy. But I think I've already clarified that Nico's solution is quite clear."

Maresca continued: "It's much more easy than to create something around the player. We bought two strikers. The player is open to leave. In case there are any good solutions he's going to leave. It's very easy. It's not complicated. I said already that Nico is a very good player. He can be even better. In this moment, he's here with us and we'll see what happens."

Joao Pedro started the Palace game but the Brazilian was restricted to very little in the No.9 role at Stamford Bridge. Liam Delap was introduced in the second-half and looked bright, with Maresca facing a tough decision regarding the central striker for the trip to east London.