Alejandro Garnacho just learned a valuable lesson from Joao Pedro

Alejandro Garnacho is enduring his toughest spell at Chelsea since joining from Manchester United last summer. 

The Argentine arrived at Stamford Bridge hoping to show the Red Devils they'd made a mistake letting him go, but things haven't gone quite to plan. 

Garnacho has become a fringe player after netting just once in his last 17 Premier League appearances. 

Criticism is mounting, but teammate Joao Pedro, who bagged a hat-trick at Villa Park, has back the 21-year-old to turn it around. 

Joao Pedro has full confidence in struggling Alejandro Garnacho

Pedro, who also joined the Blues in the summer, has been subjected to early criticism too. The goals dried up for the former Brighton forward which sparked suggestions he may not be an outright striker. Liam Rosenior appears to finally be getting the best out of the Brazilian though. 

Pedro's fantastic hat-trick against Villa on Wednesday saw him improve his league tally to 14 goals — putting the magic 20-goal mark within reach. 

And although also Garnacho had a decent game against Villa, Pedro believes more can be done to win back faith he's lost.

Chelsea's number 20, who spoke to BBC Sport, believes it's just a matter of time before Garnacho cements his place back in the team. 

"His time is going to come. He just needs to keep working hard and soon he’ll be on the pitch more."

Chelsea's next fixture is against Wrexham in the FA Cup Fifth Round. The tie is one a player of Garnacho ability is capable of influencing.

Garnacho must improve ahead of Geovany Quenda's arrival in the summer

With one of the biggest squads in world football, Chelsea are not short of forwards. 

The Blues have eight attackers in their senior squad — nine including the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk — so Rosenior isn't short on options.

Geovany Quenda is also set to join in the summer after a transfer worth up to £40 million with Sporting Lisbon was agreed last year. 

There is a lot of hype surrounding Quenda. The 18-year-old is expected to become one of the sport's most exciting players. 

As a result, it's fair to say that Chelsea's competition is fierce, and that's especially true for Garnacho.

Although there are whispers Chelsea are considering selling Garnacho, Rosenior, a manager who enjoys developing talent, is likely to persist for at least another season.

During his first season at Stamford Bridge, Garnacho, who's deal runs until 2032, has directly contributed to 10 goals in 31 games in all competitions.