Joao Pedro has failed a late fitness test ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Brighton.
The Brazilian joined from the Seagulls last summer for up to £60million and has scored 19 goals in all competitions, but missed the Manchester United game last time out with a thigh issue.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW BRIGHTON VS CHELSEA LIVE!
The striker was able to return to training on Monday and a “late call” on Tuesday will determine whether he can face his former team, according to head coach Liam Rosenior.
Further tests are due to determine the severity of his injury.
Enzo Fernandez was subbed off late on during Saturday’s game but it was just cramp and he is fine for the Brighton match. He takes on the captain’s armband this evening.
Reece James remains out with a hamstring injury, while Levi Colwill, Jamie Gittens and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen are also sidelined.
Trevoh Chalobah was on the bench against Man Utd and came on as a late substitute. He could make his first start since an ankle injury at the Amex.
Moises Caicedo is restored to midfield, with Liam Delap up top in Joao Pedro’s absence. Rosenior seems to have set his side up with a back-five, with Pedro Neto partnering the former Ipswich man in a two-man strike force.
Youngster Jesse Derry trained with the first team on Monday and he is named in the Blues’ matchday squad.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia, Enzo; Neto, Delap
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Tosin, Sarr, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Garnacho, Derry, Guiu
Injured: Joao Pedro, James, Estevao, Colwill, Jorgensen, Gittens
Time and date: 8pm BST on Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Venue: Amex Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports
