Chelsea striker Joao Pedro don pull out from Brazil squad for coming international break because injury, dem confirm. He play 90 minutes and score second-half equaliser as Blues draw 2-2 with Hull last week, but he miss training after that. He no look injured after match and Xabi Alonso no mention any problem for im short post-match press conference, but e seem say Pedro don pick up issue.
After dem confusingly snub am from Brazil World Cup squad, Carlo Ancelotti call am for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, but he no go play any part.
Statement from Brazilian football federation reveal say Fluminense Martinelli go be called up in im place, adding: ‘The player will replace Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who is injured.’ The nature or severity of im injury still no clear, and Alonso fit give update as e preview Chelsea trip to face Brentford at press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Pedro don make fine start to new season, scoring three goals and assisting three more in four Premier League appearances. Dem also vote am Premier League player of the month for September.
Speaking about Pedro last week, Alonso say the ex-Brighton striker remind am of Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema. ‘He’s been top, not just football-wise but personality-wise, his maturity,’ the Chelsea manager talk. ‘He get very strong goal this year: to have great season, to score many goals, to be a Player of the Month nominee not just this month, but for more months. I’m really not surprised, but am really happy with the kind of player we get with Joao. As profile of striker, he seem able to do everything. He remind me of Karim Benzema because he good inside box, good outside box, good coming to left side, good with head. He very complete. He intelligent. So yes, he still young, and he still get things to develop, but he get many absolutely outstanding qualities.’
For second source, Fluminense once again get player called up to Brazilian National Team. Midfielder Martinelli, 24, dem call up this Wednesday (16) by coach Carlo Ancelotti for friendlies against Australia and India during next FIFA international window. The player dem call up to replace Chelsea Joao Pedro, who dem withdraw from squad due to injury. The opportunity mark Martinelli first call-up to Brazilian National Team under Ancelotti. The defensive midfielder dem already monitor by coaching staff, but he no appear on previous lists ahead of World Cup. At that time, coaching staff dey work with Casemiro and Fabinho as options for holding midfield role. Danilo Santos, of Botafogo, also gain ground in final stretch of cycle and dem even call am for World Cup. Now, with start of new cycle for national team, Ancelotti begin to look at other options to refresh squad. Martinelli emerge as one of alternatives for midfield and go get chance to work directly with coaching staff during upcoming fixtures. The player dey enjoy standout moment with Fluminense. On Tuesday night (15), Martinelli start in 3-2 aggregate win over Platense, which secure Tricolor place in Copa Libertadores semifinals. Now, defensive midfielder join up with Brazilian National Team squad for friendlies against Australia and India.
