Joao Pedro reveals glaring Chelsea flaw and issues injury update after Qarabag draw

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Evening Standard

·6 November 2025

Joao Pedro reveals glaring Chelsea flaw and issues injury update after Qarabag draw

The Brazilian has been playing through a knock for some time

Joao Pedro suggested that Chelsea struggle to concentrate for full matches after they were held to a surprise Champions League draw by Qarabag on Wednesday night.

Chelsea took an early lead against the Azerbaijani side through Estevao Willian, but trailed 2-1 by half-time. Alejandro Garnacho’s second-half strike rescued a point, but Joao Pedro was not pleased with the result.

Speaking at full-time, he told reporters that the Blues had plenty to learn if they want to challenge for the title or play in Europe again next season.

"[We can learn] a lot,” he admitted. “We are playing in the Champions League. If we want to win games, we have to be 100% focused for the whole game.

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"We need to learn how to concentrate for the full game because if we start to drop points in the Premier League, it will be tough to be in the Champions League again next year."

Despite starting in his preferred No10 role, Joao Pedro had a quiet outing in Baku. He is known to be playing through a knock, but played down the injury’s severity.

He added: "They are trying to manage it. I'm OK, I feel good and I want to play every game.

“I try to always be available. It's tough but I want to play every game."