João Pedro has been left out of Chelsea’s starting XI for Friday night’s Premier League clash with Brentford following this week’s injury concern.
Xabi Alonso has instead selected Danny Welbeck to lead the line at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers supporting him in attack.
João Pedro had been a major doubt after withdrawing from Brazil’s upcoming international fixtures through injury.
Alonso refused to rule the striker out during his pre-match press conference, but the Brazilian has not been deemed ready to start against Brentford.
João Pedro does not start against Brentford
Chelsea had waited until their final preparations before making a decision over João Pedro.
The forward’s fitness became a concern when the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed his withdrawal through injury.
No specific diagnosis or recovery timeframe was provided.
Alonso subsequently offered some hope that João Pedro could still feature when he revealed that no Chelsea player had been completely ruled out of the Brentford fixture.
However, the Chelsea head coach has ultimately chosen not to start one of his most productive attackers.
João Pedro has registered three goals and three assists across his opening four Premier League appearances this season.
Danny Welbeck handed Chelsea opportunity
Welbeck is the player trusted to replace him at centre-forward.
The experienced striker starts ahead of Palmer and Rogers as Chelsea attempt to respond to last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Hull City.
It is one of several significant decisions made by Alonso.
Jordan Henderson makes his Chelsea debut in midfield alongside Valentin Barco, while Levi Colwill captains the side.
The confirmed Chelsea XI against Brentford also sees Pedro Neto and Pep Chavarria selected in the wide positions.
Moises Caicedo and Reece James, who had both been subject to late fitness decisions, are also absent from the starting line-up.
For João Pedro, the priority will be avoiding any unnecessary aggravation of the problem which forced him to withdraw from Brazil duty.
Chelsea now turn to Welbeck as they attem
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