Chelsea have confirmed that teenage winger Estêvão will take no further part in the Premier League season after suffering a hamstring injury, with his availability for Brazil at the World Cup now seriously in doubt.

The 19-year-old was forced off after just 16 minutes of Chelsea's 1-0 home defeat to Manchester United last week and was absent again for the 3-0 loss at Brighton on Tuesday. The club announced the news on Friday, though interim head coach Calum McFarlane declined to give a specific timeframe for the Brazilian's return.

"Estêvão unfortunately won't play for us this season because he is going to be out for a little bit of time. That's really unfortunate, especially for someone so young and so talented. I am sure he is very hopeful he can make the World Cup, but I don't know on that," McFarlane said.

A heavy blow for Brazil

Hamstring injuries vary widely in severity, ranging from a few weeks of recovery to several months in the most serious cases. Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on June 13, leaving the timeline uncomfortably tight.

Former Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior revealed last week that Estêvão was in tears when he was withdrawn during the Manchester United match — a sign of how distressing the moment was for a player who had been in fine form throughout the campaign.

Estêvão joined Chelsea from Palmeiras last year and has made an immediate impression, contributing eight goals this season. He had been widely expected to feature in Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad after netting five times in his last six appearances for Brazil.

His injury compounds what is becoming a difficult spell for the Seleção heading into the tournament. Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has already been ruled out with a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, leaving Brazil short of attacking options.

Palmer and João Pedro could return for FA Cup

Chelsea's attention now turns to Sunday's FA Cup semifinal against Leeds. Both Cole Palmer and João Pedro, who have been sidelined with their own respective injuries, could be in contention to feature in that match.