Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso backs Estevao to play and warns Cole Palmer after red card

Xabi Alonso says Chelsea must quickly rediscover their winning form when they host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, while insisting Estevao will not be loaned out in January.

Chelsea have suffered consecutive setbacks against Tottenham in the Premier League and Liverpool in the EFL Cup over the past week, but Alonso said his side’s attention is now fully focused on the league.

“We are back in the Premier League, which for me is the main and most important competition for us this year and almost every year,” Alonso said at his pre-match news conference on Friday, as reported by Sky Sports.

“It is a big game. We have not had a long time to prepare, but after our last match at home it is very important that we keep winning and recover that feeling of victory.”

Chelsea produced a better performance in Wednesday’s defeat by Liverpool than they had in Saturday’s match against Tottenham, according to Alonso, although neither result went their way.

“As soon as we left Liverpool, we started thinking about United,” he said. “I saw a better version of us on Wednesday than on Saturday, even though the result was not what we wanted in either game. This is a journey that includes difficult moments and we have to learn from them.”

Estevao has made limited appearances this season, but Alonso dismissed any suggestion the young player could leave on loan in January.

“Yes, definitely, he will play,” said the Chelsea manager. “The season is long and there will be opportunities for everyone. He will certainly get his minutes. We are still at the beginning of the season, but he will be involved.”

Alonso said Estevao’s lack of game time was related to the circumstances of individual matches rather than his performances.

“It is not about his effort, but the context of the games; he is a great boy,” he added. “We are still in October and he will have an important role. It is no secret that every player wants to be on the pitch and involved, and I take responsibility for that. Everyone has to be ready, every game matters. Estevao is training well and his attitude is very positive.”

Chelsea will be without Maxence Lacroix for several weeks after the defender was injured during the EFL Cup exit at Liverpool. Alonso expects him to remain unavailable until after the next international break.

There is a possibility goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could return before that break, although Alonso said Chelsea would assess him over the coming week. If selected, Martinez is likely to wear a protective face mask.

Alonso also expressed sympathy for Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, whose side have failed to win any of their past eight matches in all competitions and whose position is under threat.

“I have a lot of respect for him and a lot of sympathy for Michael as a coach,” Alonso said. “I know him well because we played against each other, but beyond that it is not my place to comment on the details of his situation.”

He expects a difficult contest against a United side with “a strong squad, outstanding players and good coaches”, adding that Chelsea must focus on their preparation, decisions and mentality.

Alonso has also spoken to Cole Palmer following his red card against Tottenham.

“We have already discussed the game and the areas he can improve, which is something we do continuously,” he said. “Of course, we do not want the sending-off scenario to happen again.”

The conversation focused mainly on Palmer’s football, Alonso added, describing him as a player with “great football intelligence” who loves and enjoys the game.