Joao Pedro has been ruled out of Chelsea's Premier League game against Tottenham on Saturday due to injury. The Brazil international has been one of Chelsea's standout performers this season with five goals and three assists.
But the 25-year-old, who was pictured in training on Friday, has not been included in Chelsea's matchday squad for Spurs' visit to Stamford Bridge this weekend. In September, Pedro had suffered a knee injury which ruled him out of Chelsea's defeat to Brentford, as well as the international break with Brazil.
Chelsea's Squad and Line-up Changes
Chelsea have not specified the nature of Pedro's injury which has ruled him out of the game against Spurs and say that the striker is being assessed.
Xabi Alonso has made two changes to his starting line-up from the 2-0 win over Everton last Saturday with Mike Penders replacing Emi Martinez in goal after the Argentine required surgery on his jaw.
Confirmed Line-ups for Chelsea vs Spurs
Chelsea: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato; Caicedo (c), Henderson; Neto, Palmer, Quenda; Rogers. Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Gusto, Palestra, Fofana, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Lavia, Estevao, Welbeck.
Spurs: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Tonali, Fernandes; Kudus, Maddison, Tel; Marmoush. Subs: Dubravka, Senesi, Gallagher, Solanke, Kulusevski, Porro, Davies, Olusesi, Williams-Barnett.
In attack, Geovany Quenda has been handed his first Premier League start of the season.
Spurs' Changes and Team News
Spurs, meanwhile, have made two changes from the 3-1 win at home to Coventry City on Monday night – their first in the Premier League this season. Mateus Fernandes comes in for the injured Tosin Adarabioyo with Spurs moving to a back four. Matys Tel starts ahead of Dominic Solanke, who drops to the bench.
