Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso announced that striker Joao Pedro will undergo a final fitness assessment before the Premier League match against Brentford on September 18, 2026. The 24-year-old player is currently experiencing knee discomfort.
The injury occurred during a 2-2 draw against Hull City on September 13, 2026, where Pedro played the full match and scored. Following the game, the player withdrew from the Brazilian national team squad and was replaced by Matheus Martinelli.
In the 2026/27 season, Pedro has recorded three goals and three assists in four appearances. Chelsea acquired the player from Brighton in July 2025 for a fee of £55 million plus £5 million in add-ons, with a contract extending through 2034.
Xabi Alonso took over as manager on July 1, 2026, following Chelsea's 10th-place finish in the 2025/26 season. The club is currently under the ownership of Clearlake Capital, which has implemented structural changes at Stamford Bridge.
