Estevao heads back to Palmeiras for recovery work as World Cup approaches

The young player aged 19 is up against the clock to show he is fit enough before the World Cup starts, and his position in the national team is now in real jeopardy.

He has not played since April 18, after getting hurt in Chelseas narrow 1-0 defeat against Manchester United.

Prior to that injury, Estevao was seen as a strong candidate for selection, following his promising start on the international stage.

Carlo Ancelottis squad kicks off their tournament versus Morocco on June 13, offering little window for his comeback. Placed in Group C with Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti, Brazil hopes to claim their first World Cup title since 2002.