Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Chelsea are busy preparing for their seventh and final game before the extended international break, but they could be without one of the best players in the world – according to Joao Pedro.
The Blues take on Brentford on Friday night away from home, though they won’t have to travel far to reach Jordan Henderson’s old side. Xabi Alonso is looking for a fifth win from seven games in charge.
However, Chelsea come into the game after a disappointing draw against Hull City, and Alonso could be without three key players – despite Marco Palestra and Henderson returning to training earlier this week.
Joao Pedro: Chelsea star is the best in the world at what he does
Alonso may have to pick a side that does not include Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo or Reece James. It comes after the Chelsea trio were absent from training on Tuesday, just a few days before the match.
A statstical comparison showing the number of duels won by Chelsea FC midfielders Valentin Barco and Romeo Lavia vs Hull City.
Credit: Photo by Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images/Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Pedro and James are real concerns given they are unknown injuries, while Caicedo’s calf problem has limited the Ecuadorian to one appearance this season – coming on against Brighton, and coming off.
On the Men In Blazers podcast, Pedro raved about Caicedo: “He’s the best in his position in the world. I don’t need to say anything; everyone knows he’s a machine. Very important for us, he’ll be back soon.”
Xabi Alonso desperately needs Moises Caicedo back in the side
While it is four wins from six and only one defeat – which was away at the Emirates, probably the hardest Premier League fixture of the season – the goals conceded column looks worrying. A total of 12 so far.
Chelsea v Fulham - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Chelsea need their protective screen back. With Caicedo in front of the back four, the rate of goals flying in will surely decrease. But Alonso is yet to see with his own eyes why Pedro rates Caicedo so highly.
The chances are, even if he returns to training at some point this week, Caicedo won’t play against the Bees. If that is the case, Chelsea cannot allow Caicedo to represent Ecuador in the international break.
Against Brentford, Alonso may dish out four full Premier League debuts for Chelsea – with Valentin Barco and Danny Welbeck waiting to get a go. But it could be another match where Alonso has no Caicedo.