Why did Joao Pedro miss Chelsea vs Tottenham Premier League 2026-27 clash?
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The striker was not named in the squad.
Joao Pedro has been omitted from the Chelsea line-up for the London derby against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge today.
The striker has scored five goals and created three more in the Premier League this season. He picked up a knee injury that saw him miss Chelsea’s game against Brentford ahead of the September-October international break. He then withdrew from Brazil duty.
He came back into the Chelsea setup to score twice against AFC Bournemouth and then played 90 minutes against Everton last weekend. But the meeting with Spurs comes too soon for Joao Pedro, who is out with an injury being examined by the club.
Joao Pedro misses Chelsea game against Spurs due to injury
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Danny Welbeck could have fancied a start in Joao Pedro’s place, but it is right winger Geovany Quenda who comes into the Chelsea starting line-up. Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers will spearhead the attack through the middle.
Xabi Alonso did not comment on Joao Pedro’s fitness in his pre-match news conference but did disclose that Argentinian custodian Emiliano Martinez will be sidelined for many weeks after surgery on a fractured jaw. That brings Mike Penders into the side.
Malo Gusto returns to the team following sickness. However, Pedro’s omission from the squad has been surprising. The fans will be waiting for Alonso to comment on his fitness after the game.
Emmanuel Emegha, who joined in the summer, is also gone. The former FC Strasbourg man suffered a knock in pre-season but is said to be close to a long-awaited debut and that would have been a pleasant one against Spurs with Pedro a surprising absentee.
Why did Joao Pedro miss the game against Tottenham?
It has not been confirmed which injury he has suffered.
Where is the game taking place?
At Stamford Bridge in west London.
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