Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has sought advice from a specialist during the international break in a bid to speed up his recovery from injury. The visit was meant to hasten his return, not to allay fears over a long absence.
A knee problem forced the 25-year-old to withdraw from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for friendlies against Australia and India. He also missed Chelsea’s chastening 3-0 Premier League loss at Brentford, their last match before the international break.
Joao Pedro is thought to have suffered the problem in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Hull City, in which he still scored. Initial reports in Brazil suggested he could be sidelined for up to four weeks, with Chelsea’s medical staff monitoring his progress closely.
The club are said not to be concerned about the injury long-term, although no decision has been made on his availability to face Bournemouth on October 10. That said, the Brazilian’s absence is still a big blow, particularly considering his exciting start to the season under Xabi Alonso.
Joao Pedro’s Scintillating Form Makes His Absence Keenly Felt
Joao Pedro has begun the season in blistering form, netting three goals in his opening six games in all competitions. His performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.
Ancelotti previously left him out of Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer. Brazil then went out in the last 16 to Norway, which only intensified the debate over his exclusion.
Joao Pedro won Chelsea’s Player of the Season award for 2025-26 and cemented his status as the centre of the team’s attack. Danny Welbeck, the veteran forward, has emerged as the most likely deputy in his absence, scoring three goals in his first two starts for Chelsea.
Any of Chelsea’s successes this season will likely be dependent on Pedro’s availability, making it important that the Blues keep him fit.