Joao Pedro doubtful for Chelsea's clash with Brentford after picking up knock

Joao Pedro is unlikely to feature for Chelsea in their Premier League fixture against Brentford on Friday evening, after the Brazilian forward sustained a knock during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Hull City.

Pedro has been in impressive form this season, contributing three goals and one assist in four appearances. However, his absence from an open training session earlier this week raised concerns, and ESPN Brasil has reported that he has been advised to rest for three weeks — a recommendation that would effectively rule him out of tonight’s match.

The 24-year-old has also withdrawn from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad ahead of the upcoming international break, pulling out of two scheduled friendlies against Australia. His withdrawal from international duty prompted further scrutiny over the severity of the knock.

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso stopped short of ruling Pedro out entirely when speaking at his pre-match press conference. “In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad, we are having the last training session tomorrow so no one is ruled out for us for Friday,” Alonso said. “I prefer to be cautious and we will wait until tomorrow to take the final decision on every player.”

Should Pedro be unavailable, Danny Welbeck could be in line for his first Premier League start for the club. The former Brighton forward has scored three goals this season in the Carabao Cup and made two substitute appearances in the league since joining Chelsea.