Xabi Alonso hints Joao Pedro could play for Chelsea vs Brentford despite being withdrawn from Brazil squad

JOAO PEDRO could play for Chelsea at Brentford tomorrow night – despite being ruled out of Brazil’s squad through injury. Boss Xabi Alonso only added to mystery over the 24-year-old forward’s issue after Samba chiefs announced he will miss their two friendlies with Australia and India. Xabi Alonso addressed Joao Pedro’s fitness doubts after he dropped out of the Brazil squad Credit: Getty Joao Pedro has started the season off in fine form Credit: Getty But Alonso sidestepped a club-v-country row ahead of Friday night’s clash. Asked if he was annoyed with Brazil for giving the Bees a heads-up about his likely line-up in his press conference, the Spaniard said: “No, no, no. It’s not in my control. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “We are having the last training session on Friday so no one is ruled out. I prefer to be cautious and wait to take the final decision on every player.” Pedro has three goals and three assists in Chelsea’s first four Premier League games. Danny Welbeck is set to lead the line if he misses out at Brentford. Former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Welbeck, 35, signed for the Blues from Brighton this summer to replace Nicolas Jackson who signed for Aston Vila. His game time in the league has been limited, coming on as a late substitute in games against Arsenal and Hull. But in the EFL Cup, he has impressed – scoring three goals in two matches in ties against Luton and Leeds. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Danny Welbeck was at the double against Leeds last week Credit: Getty Emmanuel Emegha could feature against Brentford Credit: Getty Should Pedro miss out, another option could be Dutchman Emmanuel Emegha, who signed from Strasbourg over the summer while Liam Delap departed for Nottingham Forest. Emegha, 23, has been recovering from a hamstring injury but could feature against Brentford if he is deemed fit. First, he is set to be assessed. Comment now