Joao Pedro may have reason to believe his World Cup hopes are not completely over after Santos confirmed Neymar has picked up another injury just weeks before the tournament kicks off.
The Santos forward suffered a calf injury during recent training session, creating more uncertainty surrounding his fitness after his controversial inclusion, at the expense of Pedro, in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.
"Neymar has a minor calf injury, an edema," Rodrigo Zogaib, Santos' head of medical said, as quoted by talkSPORT.
"But, according to our planning, his progress will allow him to be fit next week when he will join up with the national team."
Neymar’s selection was already heavily criticised due to his awful injury record and lack of international playing time. And that scepticism will only grow following these latest concerning reports.
Joao Pedro on Brazil standby following Neymar's latest injury setback
Brazil’s decision to include Neymar in their final 26-man squad for this summer's World Cup in North America ahead of Pedro was a major shock.
While many understand Neymar's importance to Selecao, Pedro certaintly didn't deserve to be left out after the season he's had at Chelsea.
Even more so given the fact the Chelsea forward has missed out to a player who is rarely fully fit and hasn't played for Ancelotti's side since 2023. And this setback is just the latest in a long line of injury problems for the 34-year-old.
For Pedro it could mean some good news, though. The Chelsea forward is expected to be first choice to replace Neymar should the Santos star fail to recover in time for Brazil's opener against Morocco on June 13.
Joao Pedro will rightfully feel frustrated
There is no getting away from how frustrating this situation must be for Pedro.
He publicly advocated for Neymar to be on the plane to North America this summer, and his subsequent exile is perhaps one of the most unjust things to ever happen.
The Chelsea number nine has had a great debut season at Stamford Bridge following his £60 million move from Brighton and Hove Albion last year.
Although the Blues have failed to win silverware this term, Pedro's 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions have seen him become one of the clubs' only few positives.
To be left out of Brazil's World Cup squad while others — some less deserving — move ahead in the queue is totally baffling and must feel like a kick in the teeth to a player who offers so much.
There is potential vindication on the horizon, though. Should Neymar end up missing out, Pedro will be expecting to receive a phone call from Ancelotti, and perhaps even an apology.
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