João Pedro is putting in the work behind the scenes as he continues his recovery program following the thigh injury he picked up last month.
The 25-year-old forward sustained the issue in the buildup to Chelsea’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last month and has been absent for a total of four matches across all competitions. During that stretch, the Blues have suffered three defeats – though the Liverpool loss came via a penalty shootout – and secured just one victory.
Advertisement
Xabi Alonso declined to provide extensive details regarding João Pedro’s injury when questioned about it back in October. Instead, Alonso said the Brazil international will be sidelined for a “few weeks”, as per football.london.
Joao Pedro on Instagram -Credit:joaopedro.oficial on Instagram
Carlo Ancelotti was again unable to select João Pedro for Brazil’s friendlies in the final international break of 2026. The former Brighton and Hove Albion forward is instead working at Chelsea’s Cobham facility to return to fitness as quickly as possible.
On Thursday, the Chelsea striker shared a three-word message on his Instagram page. Alongside an image of the Blues’ No.9 in the gym at the club’s Surrey training ground, he posted: “day by day”, alongside a praying emoji.
Advertisement
Alonso has struggled to cope without João Pedro, who has racked up five Premier League goals and three assists in just six appearances this season. In three of Chelsea’s four matches without the Brazilian, Alonso has deployed a false nine — with either Pedro Neto or Morgan Rogers filling an unconventional role.
The one occasion the Blues manager opted for a traditional No. 9 came in the Carabao Cup away at Liverpool, where Danny Welbeck started before being replaced by Emmanuel Emegha, though Welbeck struggled to get too involved at Anfield.
Alonso will be eager to have João Pedro back in the starting lineup when Chelsea host Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on November 21.
To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – CLICK HERE
Advertisement
He will also be keeping a close eye on Josh Acheampong’s fitness after the youngster was pulled from England Under-21 duty with what has been reported as a ‘minor’ issue, causing him to sit out the weekend trip to Sunderland.
Emi Martínez looks set to be available for the Leeds fixture. The Argentine shot-stopper came close to featuring at the Stadium of Light following his recovery from a fractured jaw, but Mike Penders was handed another opportunity in goal instead.
Updates on Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato are still awaited, while Maxence Lacroix and Reece James represent more significant long-term injury concerns for Alonso to navigate.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
