Chelsea sweat over João Pedro after withdrawing from Brazil squad with injury

João Pedro has triggered injury concerns at Chelsea after withdrawing from the Brazil squad ahead of the upcoming international break. The official announcement on Wednesday addressed the inclusion of Fluminense’s Martinelli, stating: “The player will replace Chelsea striker João Pedro, who is injured.”

The forward has kicked off the new season with six goal contributions across his opening four Premier League appearances. Chelsea’s next fixture in the competition falls on Friday away to Brentford, with Xabi Alonso’s squad spotted on the training pitches earlier this week in front of assembled media.

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Both Reece James and Pedro were notably absent, with the news regarding the latter raising fears that he could also miss the Brentford game, as per football.london.

A promising start to the campaign has been somewhat derailed over recent weeks following a loss at Arsenal and a draw against Hull City at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

Those results have left Chelsea sitting sixth in the Premier League standings, with their Friday opponents positioned just one place below, having drawn three of their first four matches.

Should Pedro be unavailable at the Gtech Community Stadium, Alonso has an ideal alternative in Danny Welbeck, who netted twice in the exhilarating 6-3 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Leeds United earlier this month.

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The 35-year-old was among several veteran players recruited to the club by Alonso, with Emi Martinez and Jordan Henderson also following suit.

The latter has yet to feature for his new club despite Moisés Caicedo’s absence through injury. He entered as a substitute against Brighton and Hove Albion last month but was withdrawn shortly afterward.

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Summer signing Marco Palestra remains sidelined as well, with Pedro potentially set to join them. If he has sustained an injury, the timing could work in Chelsea’s favor, given they face a three-week break following their trip to Brentford.

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Without European competition this season, all of Chelsea’s October fixtures are set for Saturdays.

AFC Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United are all scheduled to visit SW6, while Chelsea travel to Everton. Their Carabao Cup fourth-round match is also slated for late next month.

Chelsea will aim to tighten their defense moving forward, having conceded more than two goals on all but one occasion this season. Offensively, they have been impressive, with Pedro playing a crucial role alongside Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.