Alonso says Joao Pedro could play against Brentford

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said on Thursday that Brazilian striker Joao Pedro is not ruled out for Friday's home match against Brentford, which is the fifth round of the Premier League. From Brazil they claim the player is injured and will be out for three and a half weeks.

Differences over the call-up

On Wednesday it was announced that Joao Pedro was left out of the 'seleçao' squad for the upcoming FIFA window, which includes two friendlies against Australia on September 25 and 29. Matheus Martinelli of Fluminense was called up as a replacement.

At Thursday's press conference, Xabi Alonso stated that there is “a possibility” that Joao Pedro will play against Brentford and that a final decision will be made on Friday.

According to Brazilian information, the striker suffers from knee swelling caused by a sprain of the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments, which would keep him out for three and a half weeks.

Thus, the Brazilian and Chelsea versions clash: the first report talks about an injury that forces him out, while the English manager rules out any impossibility of fielding the player.

The image accompanying the story is from the AP agency, taken by Dave Shopland, with the collaboration of Imma Mentruit for International Football; Hay, the outlet that reported the case, also quoted it.