Chelsea’s players will be licking their wounds after a frustrating defeat to Arsenal on Tuesday night, but for one player, that might be more realistic than simply metaphorical.
Liam Rosenior attempted to nullify Chelsea and play on the tension at The Emirates towards the end of the game, in search of a goal. It went to plan to a point, but Chelsea failed to find that elusive equaliser.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for Chelsea with another game now on Saturday afternoon, a trip to Wolves, which could be a potential banana skin. Certainly, the injuries are racking up at Stamford Bridge.
How would you rate Joao Pedro’s start to life at Chelsea?
Joao Pedro during Newcastle United v Chelsea in Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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On Tuesday night, Reece James and Pedro Neto pulled out of the squad due to knocks, with Tosin and Jamie Gittens picking up hamstring injuries. But one key player has been playing with a “small injury”.
Joao Pedro admits he’s been playing with a small injury
A £60m signing from Brighton in the summer, Brazil star Pedro has been sensational, and of all of the Chelsea players, he has arguably shone the brightest since Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca as boss.
Joao Pedro v Napoli.
Photo by Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu via Getty Images
Indeed, Rosenior and Pedro have had a few meetings in the last couple of weeks. Pedro has had a hand in 17 goals in 33 games, scoring 12 and creating five. Under Rosenior, five goals and an assist in seven.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ One on One, Pedro thinks his form could have been even better: “This season, I think it’s [his form] has been good. I think it could be better but I was playing with a small injury.
“So it’s difficult for me to be 100% every game but I will always want to be on the pitch. In the group, we have many problems, many injuries, so I think this season for me is good, but it could be better.”
Joao Pedro on his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad
Since his debut for Brazil in November 2023, Pedro has won six caps for Brazil, but his form for Chelsea will have caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti, possibly helped by Ancelotti being a former Chelsea manager.
Has Joao Pedro been Chelsea’s BEST player under Rosenior? 🔥
Even with a small injury…
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With only a few months between now and the World Cup, Pedro discussed his chances of making Brazil’s World Cup squad. He says that all he can do is impress for Chelsea and let everything play out.
“When we speak about Brazil, the team is tough in every position. I think I need to do my job with my club, if I do my job here, I think hopefully I can be at the World Cup. I need to focus and do my best.”
But if Ancelotti has watched over the last fortnight, his stunning brace against Napoli on the biggest stage, his impact against West Ham with a goal and an assist, then surely he will earn a phone call.
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