Willian dedicated his goal at Hull to his mother. Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Willian is unlikely to be available for Chelsea's weekend game at home to Leicester after returning to Brazil for the funeral of his mother, who died on Wednesday after a battle with cancer, sources close to the player have told ESPN FC.

Prior to the international break, Willian dedicated his goal in a 2-0 win at Hull City to his mother on Chelsea TV and social media.

Essa vitória de ontem, foi para minha guerreira minha MÃE!!! Te amo muito ... fica firme, fica forte estamos juntos sempre!!! Estou aqui orando e intercedendo pela sua vida, você é benção para nós Bjao minha rainha. A última palavra vem de Deus! #Deusnocontrole #eucreio �������� A photo posted by Willian Borges Da Silva (@willianborges88) on Oct 7, 2016 at 6:58am PDT

The 27-year-old then joined the Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers, scoring again as they beat Venezuela.

Willian was informed of his mother's death on Wednesday as he waited in Canada for a connecting flight to London.

He immediately flew back to Sao Paulo, where her funeral will take place on Thursday.

He posted a poem in tribute to her on Instagram, with thousands of fans leaving messages of condolence and support.

A statement on Chelsea's official website said: "All of us at Chelsea Football Club are sending our love and deepest condolences to Willian and his family after the passing of his mother. We are thinking of you, Willian."