Chelsea Struggles With Joao Pedro Injury Amid Premier League Loss To Sunderland

Chelsea suffered a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland, with Joao Pedro notably struggling due to a groin injury and limited training, as explained by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. Pedro, who was signed from Brighton for up to £60 million and started the season strongly, has since hit a goal drought and found it difficult to perform as a lone striker. Maresca believes Pedro performs better when paired with another forward, a role that could be enhanced by the imminent return of injured striker Liam Delap. The tactical adjustment to have Pedro play in a number 10 role rather than as the primary number nine has shown promise, particularly in a recent win against Nottingham Forest. Despite the setback against Sunderland, Maresca remains optimistic about the team's progress compared to last season and emphasizes the need for improvement as the campaign continues. The return of Delap is seen as a key factor that could unlock Pedro's creativity and overall attacking potential for Chelsea moving forward.