Xabi Alonso: Joao Pedro could play vs Brentford despite pulling out of Brazil squad | OneFootball

Xabi Alonso has said Joao Pedro could feature for Chelsea against Brentford on Friday night despite withdrawing from the Brazil squad for the upcoming internationals.

Pedro pulled out of the Brazil squad this week after picking up an issue but remains in contention to feature at Brentford tomorrow evening.

The 24-year-old's withdrawal from international duty comes after being selected by Carlo Ancelotti for the first squad since the 2026World Cup.

Pedro was a high-profile omission from the Brazil squad that exited in the Round of 16 in the summer., after scoring 23 goals for Chelsea last season.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Alonso said neither Pedro nor Reece James have been ruled out of tomorrow's West London Derby at the Gtech Community Stadium. James missed the first period of Tuesday's training session.

"In terms of injuries and in terms of the squad we are having the last training session tomorrow so no-one is ruled out for us for Friday,"he said.

"So I prefer to be cautious and we will wait until tomorrow to take the final decision on every player. We will see tomorrow if Joao is ready to play, it’s a possibility.

"He has moved on from the summer, from the World Cup. He has this strong desire, determination to have a great season so far. So the summer is far away now.

"He will be in the future for sure [selected for Brazil]. I am pretty sure that he is going to be."