Overview
- Enzo Maresca said Estêvão should ignore comparisons and focus on improving day by day, calling him a long‑term key player for Chelsea.
- Cole Palmer is recovering in a protective boot and is not expected to be available for the Barcelona match, according to Maresca.
- Estêvão enters the game in strong form with four goals and one assist in 16 Chelsea appearances and recent goals for Brazil, with his minutes being carefully managed.
- Marc Cucurella praised both teenagers as special talents and noted Lamine Yamal’s greater European experience, adding Estêvão could reach that level if he keeps progressing.
- Lamine Yamal has been managed for a recent groin issue but delivered two assists in Barcelona’s latest league win, as both clubs sit on seven points after four Champions League games.