According to reports, Chelsea striker Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo were absent from training today as the Blues gear up to face Brentford on Friday in the Premier League.
The Blues have been without Caicedo for the start of this campaign as the Ecuadorian is struggling with a calf problem. Caicedo came on against Brighton but could only play a few minutes before he hobbled off again, and he hasn’t made an appearance since then.
Caicedo is a known injury concern for Chelsea, but the addition of a key player like Joao Pedro to that list will almost certainly derail Chelsea’s season.
Joao Pedro did not train today, according to reports, and that is an incredibly worrying sign for the Blues as the in-form striker, who won Premier League Player of the Month for August, has been in superb form since the season started with three goals and three assists, thriving in Chelsea’s deadly front trio.
Joao Pedro is extremely important to the way Xabi Alonso wants to play, and an injury spell can derail Chelsea’s season, especially as he seems to have a working attacking understanding with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rodgers.
The Blues have also been without new signing Marco Palestra for most of this season and have had to rely on Malo Gusto, who has left a lot to be desired with his performances.
Jordan Henderson has also not featured for Chelsea in midfield this season because of his injury, despite Chelsea lacking numbers and actual midfielders in that position. Reece James and Romeo Lavia have had to hold down that position, with new signing Valentine Barco stepping in for Cup games and against Hull City over the weekend.
Chelsea need their full squad to mount any type of title challenge this season. The Blues have had an inconsistent start to the season, with a few promising performances but also worrying gaps in midfield and defence that have caused the team to concede way too many goals.
Xabi Alonso will need Joao Pedro, Caicedo, and Palestra fit if Chelsea are to be anywhere near the top four by the end of December.
