Chelsea have the next Mohamed Salah in their ranks, Xabi Alonso is ignoring him

Chelsea may well risk losing Estevao next summer if Xabi Alonso's attitude towards him does not change.

The 19-year-old has failed to appear for more than 10 minutes a Premier League match so far this season, and has not taken his opportunities in the Carabao Cup.

A natural right-winger, the Brazil international has been forced to sit behind Cole Palmer, with Alonso evidently unconvinced that he has the ability to replace Pedro Neto at right wing-back.

Estevao cost Chelsea around £51million to sign from Palmeiras last summer, and showed plenty of promise in his first season in England.

Yet there are concerns that, without any form of European football, the teenager will find it difficult to play the minutes he needs to continue his development this season.

He is one of several Chelsea players set to struggle for minutes this season, including Jamie Gittens and Geovany Quenda.

Estevao struggling for Xabi Alonso favour

Under Enzo Maresca, Estevao was a regular in every competition for Chelsea and would have made more than 36 appearances, had he not struggled with injury.

The 19-year-old was an incredibly dangerous presence for the Blues, netting against the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool, and looked to be a massively exciting talent.

But this season has been a dramatic change under Alonso, and there has been murmurings of the forward's frustration at his lack of opportunities.

According to the Daily Mail, one source in Brazil even said: "Xabi appears not to love him."

Others have insisted that Estevao will be patient and await his opportunities this season, but there is clearly concern over the situation.

Mohamed Salah mistake cannot be repeated

In 2014, Chelsea signed a 21-year-old Mohamed Salah from Swiss side Basel for £11m.

But after struggling for minutes for two seasons, the winger would join Roma in 2016 for around £13m. One year later, he was back in the Premier League with Liverpool and the rest is history.

Chelsea have already made a significant mistake with one young right-winger, they must now make sure not to do it again.

One way or the other, Estevao must be given the opportunity to catch Alonso's attention and get back on course in London.