Willian Reportedly Set to Miss Chelsea vs. Leicester After Death of His Mother

Chelsea winger Willian will reportedly sit out his team’s clash with Leicester City on Saturday due to the death of his mother, Maria Jose Borges.

According to Liam Twomey of ESPN FC, sources have confirmed the Brazil international will likely miss the visit of the champions due to the bereavement. Willian is said to have returned home for the funeral on Wednesday after his mother died of cancer.

The Blues sent their best wishes to the player at this difficult time:

As noted by Twomey, the 28-year-old dedicated a goal he scored against Hull City in Chelsea’s previous match to his mother.

He posted the following image on Instagram, including an accompanying poem in memory of her:

“I miss you so much. This is true. But I still accept this because we are going to live together for all eternity,” read part of the passage, per Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror. "I continue here on earth, faithful to the Lord's teachings, so that I can be like you and also have the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Willian played for Brazil during the international break, netting in the FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Venezuela. Per Twomey, the former Shakhtar Donetsk star was reportedly informed of his mother’s death while waiting for a flight back to London after a connection to Canada, prompting him to return to Sao Paolo.

Willian was crowned Chelsea’s Player of the Year last term after a brilliant campaign on the right flank. He’s started the season well under new Blues boss Antonio Conte, too, with two goals in six appearances.