Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
There are doubts over whether Chelsea striker Joao Pedro will be able to feature for the Blues in their first game after the international break when they host Bournemouth.
Pedro was called up to Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the first time since missing out on the World Cup side, however had to withdraw due to an injury concern.
He was forced to sit out the 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break, and has seen a knee specialist in a race to not spend a prolonged period of time out of the side.
When he was left by the coach for the world cup no one talked about that, not even thinking about how he feels to be left out of by his country
Morgan Rogers could play up front for Chelsea in Joao Pedro’s absence
Danny Welbeck started the West London derby, but if he is looking for a different option then Morgan Rogers has provided him with it after his outing for England against Czechia.
After Harry Kane was taken off in the second half, the Chelsea man operated in the striker position for the remainder of the game, coming close to scoring with a header that hit the post.
The aim from Thomas Tuchel was for the frontline to be fluid and link-up to devastating effect, which is similar to what Xabi Alonso demands of his attackers in his current setup.
Pedro, Rogers and Joao Pedro have enjoyed an excellent start to the season as a trio, with all of them cropping up in each others’ positions at times.
Rogers starting up front would also create an opportunity for Estevao Willian to make his first Premier League start of the season, after enduring a frustrating start to the campaign at Stamford Bridge.
The wonderkid has impressed so far for Brazil during this international break, after finding it difficult to break the established front three so far.
He would likely be starting games off the left in this scenario, although will just be welcoming any opportunity to prove his worth this season, although up to now there are no reports of frustration for the Brazil international.
Alonso remains a massive fan of Estevao, and could be about to give him the chance he is waiting for, if he decides that Rogers is an option to play up front in the absence of Pedro.
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Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images