Joao Pedro absent from Chelsea squad with injury, assessed

Joao Pedro is not in Chelsea’s matchday squad on Saturday due to an injury. According to Ben Jacobs, the player is currently being assessed.

The update means he will take no part in the group selected for the weekend fixture. The nature and severity have not been set out while checks continue, the report adds.

Being under assessment indicates club medical staff are still determining the extent of the problem and next steps, which could range from short rest to more detailed evaluation depending on findings.

In the short term, his absence reduces Chelsea’s selection choices for both bench and starting XI today. Any impact beyond this match will depend on the outcome of the ongoing checks.

Chelsea had not issued an official communication at the time of publication, and no timeframe has been indicated for a return. Further updates are expected once the assessment is complete.