Joao Pedro ruled out injured as Brazil call-up withdrawn

Joao Pedro started the Premier League in a big way, delivering three goals and three assists in his first four league matches for Chelsea. He was also hoping to earn his place back with Carlo Ancelotti after missing out on the Mundial squad, but this international break ends the same way: this time, it’s injury.

As Mundo Deportivo reports, Brazil’s official channels confirmed that the Chelsea forward will miss the call-up due to injury. Carlo Ancelotti has therefore included Martinelli as his replacement for the next friendly fixtures.

Brazil brings in Martinelli

The Brazilian national team communicated it via social media: Martinelli from Fluminense has been called up to take Joao Pedro’s spot. The friendlies are set for Australia and India in the upcoming FIFA window.

Chelsea waits on the injury update

With the exact severity still unclear, Chelsea will have to monitor his recovery closely and see how soon he can return. Mundo Deportivo adds that after the break, Xabi Alonso will have to assess whether Joao Pedro is ready to be used again.

Given how central he’s been in front of goal and in chance creation, this absence is a timely blow for the club after such a strong start to the season.