Joao Pedro: Xabi Alonso reveals when Chelsea will learn severity of new injury blow

Chelsea striker Joao Pedro will undergo a scan on Sunday to determine the severity of a fluid buildup sustained in training; Alonso expects clarity on his recovery timeline after the assessment.

Joao Pedro was a surprise absentee from Chelsea's matchday squad for Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge after picking up an injury during a training session at Cobham on Friday. Manager Xabi Alonso revealed the issue involves a build-up of fluid and that further assessments must wait. The striker is scheduled to undergo a scan on Sunday, after which the club will have a clearer picture of how much time he may miss.

Alonso said after the loss: "We don't know yet because he has a lot of fluid. He felt it yesterday and we need to wait probably until tomorrow to do the test and to know the whole situation and the whole seriousness of the injury."

Pedro, 25, has been Chelsea's standout performer this season with five goals and three assists in seven appearances. He previously missed the 3-0 defeat at Brentford last month with a knee injury sustained against Hull. In his absence against Tottenham, Alonso started Morgan Rogers as a false nine, a tactical choice that failed to prevent Chelsea's sluggish performance.