Chelsea did not score in their previous three Premier League games, all defeats, for the first time since 1998. Overall, they are on a five-game losing streak against top division opponents and have failed to find the back of the net in the last four of those matches. So, Liam Rosenior is trying to find his next goal somewhere. Unfortunately, he won’t be without his highest goalscorer for the season, Joao Pedro, against Manchester United.
Pedro was not even named in the matchday squad against Manchester United. The visitors are without four of their five centre-backs. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are both suspended. Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro are not available either.
So, this could have been a great chance for Chelsea to end their goalless streak. Unfortunately, Pedro’s absence has made things a lot more difficult for them.
But why is the Brazilian not in the squad? Leading up to the game, there was no talk of Pedro picking up an injury. So, what is the matter?
Why Joao Pedro is not playing for Chelsea against Man United
Of course, most Chelsea fans were left asking about Pedro when the line-up was announced for the game. Now, we have a bit more clarity on the situation.
According to football.london, Pedro has a thigh injury. Chelsea hope he will face Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday night.
So, it looks like it is not a major issue for Pedro. But even then, the Brazilian ends up missing one of Chelsea’s most important games of the campaign.
Pedro’s absence is a blow for Liam Rosenior’s team
Pedro had started brilliantly under Rosenior. Admittedly, he has cooled off since then. But the Brazilian remains Chelsea’s highest scorer. So, not having him, especially in the middle of a goalless run, is a problem.
Another issue is that Chelsea do not have a reliable backup option. Liam Delap has not done anything of note since joining the club. He has scored just three times across all competitions. That is not what the Blues would have been expecting when they signed him for £30 million from Ipswich Town.
Delap starting up front does not help Chelsea. He is someone who thrives on space behind the defence. We saw that time and again during his Ipswich Town days.
But that space has rarely been available to Delap while playing for the Blues. Unsurprisingly, he has struggled. This feels like another case of bad scouting and recruitment. We would love to be proven wrong though and for the Englishman to put in a performance to remember against Manchester United.
