Chelsea face a nervous wait over Joao Pedro ahead of tonight’s Premier League meeting with Brentford, with Xabi Alonso refusing to confirm whether the striker will be available.
The Brazilian withdrew from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad earlier this week because of injury and remains under assessment at Cobham. Moises Caicedo and Reece James are also doubts for the west London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Chelsea enter the game needing a response after being held to a 2-2 draw by newly-promoted Hull last weekend.
Joao Pedro among six Chelsea doubts
Alonso said on Thursday that Chelsea would make a late decision on Joao Pedro.
“We will see tomorrow if he’s ready to play and we will make a decision,” the Chelsea boss explained.
Caicedo’s situation is another significant concern. The midfielder has not played since lasting just 13 minutes as a substitute against Brighton before being forced off injured.
James was also absent from the portion of Tuesday’s training session open to the media.
Summer arrivals Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha will also be assessed. Alonso had previously expressed hope that all three could make their competitive Chelsea debuts against Brentford.
Alonso could return to back three
Chelsea’s defensive record gives Alonso another major decision to make.
The Blues have conceded 12 goals across their opening six matches in all competitions and switched to a four-man defence against Hull.
Alonso could return to his preferred 3-4-2-1 against Brentford, particularly to provide greater protection against the hosts’ pace in wide areas.
Maxence Lacroix could anchor a back three alongside Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill, with Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto potential wing-back options.
Romeo Lavia could retain his place in midfield if Caicedo remains unavailable, while Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers should provide the creativity behind the attack.
Danny Welbeck could lead the line if Joao Pedro fails his late fitness assessment.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Gusto, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.
Key points
- Joao Pedro is a major doubt after withdrawing from Brazil’s squad through injury.
- Moises Caicedo and Reece James are also being assessed.
- Marco Palestra, Jordan Henderson and Emmanuel Emegha could potentially make their Chelsea debuts.
- Chelsea have conceded 12 goals in six matches across all competitions.
- Xabi Alonso could return to a 3-4-2-1 formation against Brentford.
What’s next?
Chelsea face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium tonight at 8pm BST, with the match being shown on Sky Sports.
Alonso’s final selection could depend heavily on the late fitness tests, particularly Joao Pedro and Caicedo, as Chelsea look to recover from last weekend’s disappointing Hull draw.
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