Joao Pedro Absent for Chelsea vs. Man Utd Clash
Chelsea faced a tougher task against Manchester United after João Pedro was ruled out with a thigh injury. Liam Rosenior confirmed the striker was not fit to even sit on the bench.
Joao Pedro absent status overshadowed the Chelsea vs Man Utd clash. The decision surprised some after no comment in the prematch press conference.
Team selection and formation
Rosenior named a 4-2-3-1 formation. Liam Delap started as the lone striker.
- Robert Sánchez (GK)
- Malo Gusto
- Wesley Fofana
- Jorrel Hato
- Marc Cucurella
- Enzo Fernández
- Moisés Caicedo (captain)
- Estêvão
- Cole Palmer
- Pedro Neto
- Liam Delap
Bench
- Teddy Sharman-Lowe (GK)
- Josh Acheampong
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Andrey Santos
- Dário Essugo
- Roméo Lavia
- Alejandro Garnacho
- Marc Guiu
Player notes
Liam Delap took the No. 9 role. He has not scored since early January at Fulham.
Delap has yet to find the net under Rosenior. The manager hopes the change ends the drought.
Enzo Fernández returned to the starting XI. He missed two matches while internally suspended over transfer-related comments.
Reece James is absent. Moisés Caicedo wore the armband in his place.
Form and standings
Chelsea have slipped away from the top five over the past month. They trailed fifth-placed Liverpool by four points before United visited.
The Blues suffered five defeats in six games. That run included a 3-0 loss to Manchester City last Sunday.
Outlook and upcoming fixtures
Rosenior said he hoped Pedro would be available for the midweek trip to Brighton. Pedro was signed from Brighton last summer.
After that match, Chelsea face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi at Wembley on April 26. The FA Cup remains the club’s best chance for silverware this season.
Filmogaz.com will provide further updates as the situation develops.
