Chelsea dealt major Joao Pedro injury worry as in-form striker pulls out of Brazil squad ahead of crunch Brentford clash

CHELSEA have been hit with a blow after striker Joao Pedro withdrew from the Brazil squad through injury.

The forward, 24, was named in ‘s group upcoming games against and India.

But he now won’t be involved after the Brazilian federation claimed he was suffering with an issue.

Their statement read: “The player will replace striker Joao Pedro, who is injured.”

He is now set to be replaced by Fluminense star Matheus Martinelli, who nows plays for Al-Hilal.

Chelsea are yet to confirm that has suffered an injury.

But the news will be a big concern for boss ahead of their trip to on Saturday night.

The player did miss training for the Blues this week after scoring in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw to .

However, Sun Sport understands he was just on a separate schedule to his team-mates.

Chelsea had longer to prepare for their clash at the G-Tech Community Stadium as they didn’t have a game this week.

Fixtures Results Table

Friday 18 September

Brentford

20:00

EPL

Chelsea

Saturday 19 September

Spurs

12:30

EPL

Villa

Brighton

15:00

EPL

Arsenal

Everton

15:00

EPL

Ipswich

Newcastle

15:00

EPL

Hull

Forest

17:30

EPL

Coventry

Monday 14 September

Sunday 13 September

Saturday 12 September

English Premier League Pld Pts GD W D L Form

1

4

12

7

4

0

0

2

4

12

6

4

0

0

3

4

8

4

2

2

0

4

4

8

3

2

2

0

5

4

7

8

2

1

1

6

4

7

1

2

1

1

7

4

6

3

1

3

0

8

4

6

2

1

3

0

If Pedro does play in the game it could risk angering Ancelotti after ruling him out of the international break.

The former Brighton man is having a superb season after scoring and assisting three goals under Alonso in the Premier League.

Pedro – who was a £60m signing from the Amex last summer – netted 20 goals in 50 games for the Blues last season.

He wasn’t selected by Ancelotti for the World Cup squad despite his impressive campaign.

Alonso recently raved about Pedro after his positive start to the 2026-27 season and compared him to legend .

He said: “He’s been top, not just football-wise but personality-wise, his maturity.

“He has a very strong goal this year: to have a great season, to score many goals, to be a [Player of the Month] nominee not just this month, but for more months.

“I’m really not surprised, but am really happy with the kind of player that we have with Joao.

“As a profile of striker, he seems to be able to do everything. He reminds me of [Karim] Benzema because he’s good in the box, he’s good out of the box, he’s good coming to the left side, good with the head.

“He’s very complete. He’s intelligent. So yes, he’s still young, and he still has things to develop, but he has many absolutely outstanding qualities.”