After the 5-2 defeat at the hands of PSG, Chelsea will be looking to get back on track this weekend. Of course, that is easier said than done. Their next opponents are Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side are coming off a decent result in the Champions League themselves, having drawn 1-1 against FC Barcelona.
Domestically, they have not had the greatest season. They currently sit at 12th in the Premier League table. It sounds worse than it is though. They are just five points behind Brentford in 7th. A good run of results and the Magpies could be right back in the mix. The draw against Barcelona and a recent win over Manchester United will give them confidence that they can get a result at Stamford Bridge.
As for Chelsea, their recent displays have been shaky. You never know which version of the Blues will show up. And even when they are doing well, there are far too many players in this team capable of making a match-turning error.
Pedro Neto is someone who had one such moment against Arsenal. The Portuguese winger was sent off against the Gunners. And now, there is further bad news for him, and Chelsea.
Why Pedro Neto won’t be available for Chelsea against Newcastle United
According to Nizaar Kinsella, Neto has been given an additional one-game ban and also fined £70,000 for his conduct against Arsenal. That means the Chelsea winger will miss the game against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Of course, that is not the end of Neto’s problems. He is also awaiting any UEFA punishment that might come his way after pushing a ball boy against PSG.
Pedro Neto has faced heavy criticism from Chelsea fans in recent weeks
Neto has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism from Chelsea fans in recent weeks. Personally, I do not feel that he deserves all of the noise that comes his way. That being said, there is no way of denying that his form has fallen off a cliff over the last few months.
Neto had actually enjoyed an excellent Club World Cup campaign. He followed that up with a strong start to the season. For a while, it had been looking like he was starting to fulfil his potential.
Unfortunately, he has taken several steps back since then. Out of his 10 goals this season, five have come against lower league opposition in cup competitions. The other five have come against teams in the relegation battle.
Neto actually had one of his best games in recent months against PSG. But then, he might not even be available for the next one.
