Chelsea face a crucial Champions League showdown against Ajax at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, but the Blues will be without key striker Joao Pedro and several other players, casting a shadow over their preparations for the high-stakes clash.
Joao Pedro’s absence stems from a dramatic red card he received during Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in September. The Brazilian international, who came off the bench in the second half, found himself in hot water almost immediately. Just a minute after entering the pitch, he was shown his first yellow card. His night took a turn for the worse in stoppage time when a high boot in a challenge earned him a second yellow, resulting in his ejection from the match. This red card has forced him to sit out the upcoming Ajax fixture, as the suspension applies specifically to Champions League games.
Despite this setback, Joao Pedro was able to feature in Chelsea’s recent matches against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, as the ban did not affect domestic competitions. However, his absence from recent training sessions ahead of the Ajax clash suggests he may have been given a rest, with a likely return expected for Chelsea’s weekend match against Sunderland.
Chelsea’s disciplinary issues have been a recurring theme this season. Head coach Enzo Maresca, however, downplayed concerns about a broader problem, despite the team grappling with multiple suspensions, including his own touchline ban during the Nottingham Forest game. “We don’t have a serious disciplinary issue,” Maresca insisted, though the mounting absences due to red cards tell a different story.
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The Blues’ injury list further complicates matters for the Ajax encounter. Alongside Joao Pedro, Chelsea will be without Levi Colwill (knee), Cole Palmer (groin), Benoit Badiashile (muscle), and Liam Delap (hamstring). The absence of both Joao Pedro and Delap, in particular, deals a significant blow to Chelsea’s attacking options. Nevertheless, Maresca remains optimistic, placing his trust in young talents Marc Guiu and Tyrique George as capable replacements in the number nine role. “They’re ready,” Maresca affirmed, signaling his confidence in the duo to step up in the absence of his regular forwards.
Adding to the uncertainty, midfielder Enzo Fernandez was listed as a doubt for the match after missing last weekend’s game with a minor knee issue. Fortunately, Fernandez has since recovered and is set to start against Ajax, providing a much-needed boost to Chelsea’s midfield.
As Chelsea prepare to face the Dutch giants, the absence of Joao Pedro and other key players underscores the challenges Maresca’s squad must overcome. With suspensions and injuries testing their depth, the Blues will need to rely on their emerging talents and tactical resilience to secure a vital result in this Champions League battle.