By Adegboyega Adeleye
Chelsea have suffered an injury blow with striker Joao Pedro withdrawing from the Brazil squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Australia and India.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Wednesday that Joao Pedro will be replaced by Fluminense forward Martinelli.
The nature and severity of João Pedro’s injury were not disclosed.
The withdrawal comes after the Chelsea forward earned a Brazil recall following his surprise omission from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
O atleta Martinelli, do Fluminense, foi convocado nesta quarta-feira (16) pelo técnico Carlo Ancelotti para os amistosos da Seleção Brasileira contra Austrália e Índia, nesta próxima Data FIFA.
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) September 16, 2026
O jogador irá substituir o atacante João Pedro, do Chelsea, lesionado. pic.twitter.com/c69OdTkOxo
João Pedro has made a strong start to the new season, scoring three goals in six appearances in all competitions.
He was also named the Premier League Player of the Month for August after scoring two goals and providing two assists in Chelsea’s opening two league matches. The award ended Chelsea’s wait for the individual honour since Cole Palmer’s victory in September 2024.
Chelsea have not confirmed João Pedro’s injury, while the striker played the full 90 minutes and scored in the club’s 2-2 draw with Hull last weekend.
His withdrawal is also a concern for Chelsea, with the club set to face Brentford on Friday in their final match before the international break.
João Pedro’s Brazil call-up had offered the striker an opportunity to return to the national team after his World Cup omission despite his impressive form for Chelsea.
He was named Chelsea’s Player of the Season before the World Cup but was left out of Ancelotti’s squad for the tournament.
Brazil’s matches against Australia and India later this month will be their first since their last-16 World Cup exit, where they were eliminated by Norway.
Martinelli will now join Ancelotti’s squad in place of the injured Chelsea striker.
Vanguard News
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