Joao Pedro ruled out injured as Chelsea host Tottenham in London derby

Joao Pedro will play no part in Chelsea’s London derby against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with manager Xabi Alonso yet to confirm the full details of the injury that has sidelined the striker.

The Brazilian forward, who has contributed five goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, first suffered a knee problem that ruled him out of Chelsea’s match against Brentford before the September international break, also forcing him to withdraw from Brazil duty. He had appeared to recover well, scoring twice against Bournemouth before completing 90 minutes against Everton last weekend, making his absence against Spurs all the more unexpected.

Alonso is expected to address the injury in his pre-match briefing ahead of kick-off. Danny Welbeck had been considered a natural replacement through the middle, but the Chelsea head coach has instead opted for right winger Geovany Quenda to enter the starting line-up, with Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers likely to fill the central attacking role.

Chelsea line up as: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Neto; Caicedo, Henderson; Hato, Rogers, Palmer; Quenda.

Tottenham name: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Roberton; Tonali, Fernandes; Kudus, Maddison, Marmoush; Tel.