João Pedro has been a revelation for Chelsea this season, producing a string of impressive performances that have quickly established him as one of the Blues’ most important attacking players.
However, after reports emerged that the Brazilian was absent from training on Tuesday due to a potential injury, further details surrounding the issue have now come to light. Chelsea supporters had been hopeful that the problem was only minor and that Pedro would be fit to start Friday night’s Premier League clash with Brentford. Unfortunately for the Blues, the latest update suggests otherwise.
The striker, who has already scored three goals this season, has withdrawn from Brazil’s latest international squad due to the injury, casting further doubt over his availability for Chelsea’s upcoming fixture.
He had been selected for the upcoming friendly matches against Australia and India after he was a surprise omission from Carlo Ancelotti's squad for this year's World Cup. The Brazilian soccer federation confirmed in their announcement on Wednesday.
Injury is unknown to date
Brazil’s football federation did not disclose the nature of João Pedro’s injury, while Chelsea have yet to provide further details on the diagnosis or the expected recovery timeline.
More clarity could come during Xabi Alonso’s press conference on Thursday, but the lack of information has understandably left some supporters concerned about the severity of the issue. With little yet known about the injury, speculation over a potential longer-term absence is likely to continue until Chelsea provide an official update.
If the club have concerns over the extent of an injury, further assessment and scans can be required before a definitive diagnosis and recovery timeline can be established.
For now, however, Chelsea supporters will have to wait for further information before knowing whether Pedro’s absence is likely to be a short-term setback or something more significant, another knife in Chelsea’s hopes and ambitions at the start of the season.
Let’s just hope it is nothing serious and Pedro can return to contention following the international break, with Danny Welbeck capable of replacing him in the Brentford fixture. Maybe, even score one or two goals.
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