Chelsea have the chance to put their first disappointment of the new season behind them when Leeds visit Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup tonight.

Xabi Alonso’s side went ahead inside the opening two minutes against Arsenal on Sunday, only to leave the Emirates with a 2-1 defeat, and it was the Spaniard’s first competitive loss as Blues boss.

The third-round tie offers an immediate response.

Chelsea beat Luton Town 2-0 to reach this stage, but Leeds should provide a much tougher test after making an unbeaten start to the campaign.

Alonso is expected to make changes, particularly with Moisés Caicedo and Marco Palestra unavailable, and that puts extra focus on Estevao.

The Brazilian started the win over Luton but has yet to make Alonso’s first eleven in the Premier League.

A lively late appearance at Arsenal, where David Raya denied him an equaliser, showed why supporters remain so excited about him, with ex-Chelsea winger Willian once tipping him to be the club's answer to Lamine Yamal.

The question now is whether he will be trusted from the beginning against Leeds.

With Chelsea not playing in Europe this season, cup matches carry even greater importance for players attempting to force their way into Alonso’s preferred side.

However, one team sheet will not alter the club’s long-term view of Estevao in the slightest.

Estevao comeback on with Chelsea convinced amid 'untouchable' status

According to The Telegraph's Matt Law, Chelsea remain completely committed to the 19-year-old and are 'convinced' his inevitable comeback will eventually become a much bigger story than the injury which wrecked his World Cup dream with Brazil.

Estevao suffered a serious hamstring problem during April’s defeat to Man United, ending his debut season early and ruling him out of Chelsea’s remaining matches, all while costing him the opportunity to represent his country this summer.

That was a brutal blow for a teenager who had already established himself as one of Brazil’s brightest attacking talents.

However, there is no suggestion inside Stamford Bridge that the setback has reduced his standing.

The report says Estevao remains among a small group of players Chelsea regard as 'untouchable', and he is still considered one of the leading faces of the club’s global project, while there is also a belief that his progress could be rewarded with an improved contract in the coming months.

There has been some debate over his place in Alonso’s system.

The Chelsea head coach has generally used two attacking midfielders behind a central striker, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers appearing the most natural first choices for those positions.

Estevao does his best work when he can receive the ball on the right, attack defenders and drift into dangerous central areas. He may not slot neatly into every version of Alonso’s formation, but Chelsea refuse to believe he is being pushed aside.

Alonso has already stressed the need for tactical flexibility, and his public message about the youngster was emphatic.

What Xabi Alonso has said about Estevao in Chelsea training

The head coach praised Estevao’s work in training, his everyday attitude and the sharp impact he made after coming on against Arsenal.

He also made clear that he has total faith in the winger’s potential.

Estevao is still adjusting to English football and learning what Alonso demands, but the manager believes his hunger and approach are exactly what Chelsea need.

His integration away from the pitch is also understood to be progressing well.

His English is improving, his family have accompanied him to club events, and he has formed relationships across different groups in the dressing room.

Chelsea sources have reportedly seen no worrying signs of frustration. Like any ambitious player, Estevao wants more minutes, but that is very different from wanting out or feeling forgotten.

A start against Leeds would provide another useful step rather than a final answer, and the bigger challenge is turning flashes of brilliance into performances Alonso cannot ignore.