Alonso backs Acheampong and Estevao for bigger Chelsea roles

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Josh Acheampong and Estevao Willian will feature more prominently for the club as the season develops, highlighting the progress of both players following the international break.

Acheampong, 20, made six appearances for Chelsea this season and helped England Under-21s secure qualification for next year's UEFA European Under-21 Championship with a game to spare. Alonso said the Academy graduate has shown he is ready for Premier League football.

'Josh has played a few games and is ready to play,' said Alonso ahead of Bournemouth's visit to Stamford Bridge. 'He has taken a step forward. He is playing more maturely and more aggressively, and is knowing what it takes to compete in the Premier League.'

'He is on that journey as he has great potential and great qualities. He has played and he will play again,' Alonso added.

Estevao, 19, did not play competitively during the break but appeared in all three of Brazil's senior friendlies, scoring once and assisting in a 4-0 win over India. Alonso is managing the winger's workload carefully after he missed the end of last season and the FIFA World Cup with a hamstring injury.

'Este is feeling much better from the injury; we have seen with Brazil that he has played more,' said Alonso. 'We know the demands of the Premier League and we know how important Este can be in some games. He will have his moments and more minutes.'

Midfielder Moises Caicedo did not join Ecuador during the international break, instead remaining at Cobham to continue his fitness recovery. Alonso confirmed the Ecuadorian is available for selection against Bournemouth.

'For sure, any team would miss a player of his quality, his importance, his weight and his dynamic. We have missed him for sure and we are happy that we have him back,' said Alonso. 'He feels better and we didn't want to take any risks against Brentford, for example.'