Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Wed 22 April 2026 16:10, UK

Leeds United have been handed a boost ahead of their FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea, with Brazilian winger Estevao ruled out.

The Whites are preparing for their first appearance at this stage of the competition since 1981 at Wembley, with Daniel Farke’s side impressing this term.

Taking the competition seriously throughout, the West Yorkshire outfit have been immaculate with their professionalism.

Opponents Chelsea are in dismal form, having gone five league matches without scoring a goal.

With Leeds looking to take advantage of the frailties under Liam Rosenior on Sunday, they have been handed another big boost, with grim news revealed over Estevao.

Chelsea difference maker ruled out as Leeds prepare for Wembley trip

Since returning from the international break, Farke’s side have been in fine form.

Setting themselves up for a trip to the national stadium, the Whites would secure a 4-2 shootout victory against West Ham at the top of the month.

Losing to both Manchester United and Brighton in a matter of days, things continue to go from bad to worse for Chelsea.

And the same can be said with the recent team news, with The Athletic revealing that Brazilian winger Estevao will be ruled out for multiple months after sustaining a hamstring injury in the loss on Saturday.

The 18-year-old joined from Palmeiras over the summer, and has impressed in his debut year, despite scoring just twice and laying on two assists in the Premier League.

With Chelsea in dismal form, boss Rosenior may have been looking to call upon the youngster on Sunday. As a result, Farke and his side have been handed a big boost ahead of the bout at Wembley.

Many will remember how he was dominated by Gabriel Gudmundsson at Elland Road, though, resulting in a hasty kick out and a yellow card.

Leeds will be looking to make a big statement at Wembley

With Leeds’ survival all but secured, they can fully enjoy Sunday’s occasion after the coming period initially looked to be a stressful one in West Yorkshire.

Across recent weeks, the respective form of the two sides could not have contrasted more, with Farke’s side playing some fantastic football, while Chelsea’s woes continue to mount under Rosenior.

With this in mind, all of the ingredients are there for the Elland Road outfit to make a big statement at Wembley.

Wideman Estevao is a big difference maker for the Blues, with pace to burn and non-stop energy.

Alongside concerns for Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, Rosenior will be left with the majority of the same side that limped to defeat against Brighton.

Leeds, on the other hand, have been direct, full of energy and heart, which could see them over the line at Wembley – capping off what has been a sensational season thus far.