Estevão Willian faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury during Chelsea FC’s defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League.

The forward was forced off after just 16 minutes, with Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior revealing that the youngster was visibly emotional in the dressing room following the incident.

The match marked only Estevão’s fourth appearance since returning from a previous muscle problem. Earlier in the season, he picked up an injury between February and March, which ruled him out of Brazil’s international fixtures against France national football team and Croatia national football team.

Reports suggest the injury could be a serious grade-four muscle issue, which may significantly impact his chances of featuring at the tournament under Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, Chelsea are yet to confirm the full results of the scan, which was reportedly conducted earlier this week.

Until then, Chelsea FC will be without the forward as they prepare for their FA Cup semi-final campaign.

In the Premier League, the London club sit seventh on 48 points, just two points outside the top six. Despite the setback, Estevão Willian has made a strong impact this season, recording eight goals and three assists in 36 appearances for the Blues.

If the injury is confirmed as serious, the youngster will have limited time to recover ahead of what would be his first World Cup. He remains a key figure in the Brazil squad under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

At international level, Estevão has earned 11 caps and scored five goals for Brazil national football team, with four of those coming in his last four appearances.

Ancelotti is expected to announce his final squad on May 18, with Brazil opening their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco national football team. Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team are also in the group.