Chelsea handed huge injury concern ahead of Bayern Munich Champions League clash

2 hours ago 20

Chelsea could have an injury concern for their Champions League clash against Bayern Munich after an update from Enzo Maresca.

The Blues were held to a 2-2 draw with Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday night and will now prepare to face Bayern in Europe on Wednesday evening.

Maresca explained after the game that Joao Pedro was 'not 100 percent fit' to face the Bees. Pedro was named in the starting line-up by the Chelsea head coach and played 79 minutes of the contest at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Pedro made two appearances for Brazil during the international break but was not included in the starting line-up for the World Cup qualifier against Bolivia in midweek, reports The Mirror.

"Joao Pedro, before the game, told me that he was not fit 100 per cent, better [that he] doesn't play," the Blues boss revealed.

"So if I was thinking about Bayern Munich, Joao would be on the bench. But Joao played because the focus was about tonight. But for sure, when you have so many games, you have to plan a different option.

"For instance, Reece James played two games with the international team. So play tonight and thinking on Wednesday. So it's not, our focus was about tonight.

"And the reason why is because if this season we play Champions League, it's because we did well in the Premier League. And if we want to play again Champions League next season, we need to do well in the Premier League."

If Pedro is unavailable to face Bayern, then Maresca may have a selection dilemma on his hands. Liam Delap is on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while Nicolas Jackson left the Blues to join Bayern on loan and could line-up against his parent club in Munich on Wednesday night.

Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu from his season-long loan at Sunderland after the injury to Delap. Maresca will be expected to provide a fresh update on Pedro's fitness ahead of the clash at the Allianz Arena.

Chelsea can end the 2024/25 Premier League season on a high, but it is never quiet at Stamford Bridge and the summer looks set to be one full of news, with Enzo Maresca looking for transfer to bolster his squad.

And by signing up to our newsletter here, you'll make sure you receive the best Blues content including news, rumours, articles and fan opinions - direct into your inbox and all for free!

We also want to hear from you. Create an account here in just a few moments, so you can have your say on all things Chelsea, join the debate and take part in exclusive Q&As as well.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

Read Entire Article