Joao Pedro omitted from Chelsea squad for Premier League derby with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge

On October 24, 2026, Joao Pedro was left out of Chelsea’s line-up for the Premier League London derby against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge after being ruled out with an injury that the club is examining.

Pedro has scored five goals and created three more in the Premier League this season. He suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss Chelsea’s game against Brentford ahead of the September-October international break and led to his withdrawal from Brazil duty. He returned to score twice against AFC Bournemouth and then played 90 minutes against Everton last weekend.

Chelsea said the meeting with Spurs came too soon for Pedro and that medical staff are assessing the issue; it has not been confirmed which injury he has suffered.

Danny Welbeck had been a possible option to start in Pedro’s absence, but manager Xabi Alonso selected Geovany Quenda on the right wing, with Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers chosen to spearhead the attack through the middle.

In his pre-match news conference Alonso did not comment on Pedro’s fitness but disclosed that Argentinian custodian Emiliano Martinez will be sidelined for many weeks after surgery on a fractured jaw, a development that has brought Mike Penders into the side. Malo Gusto returns to the team following sickness.

Emmanuel Emegha, who joined in the summer, is also absent from the squad; the former FC Strasbourg man suffered a knock in pre-season but is said to be close to a long-awaited debut.

Pedro’s omission has surprised supporters. The fans will be waiting for Alonso to comment on his fitness after the game.