João Pedro is out for several weeks due to a thigh injury

The injury to the Brazilian footballer was reported by the head coach of the London club Xabi Alonso before the English League Cup match against Liverpool.

João Pedro sustained an injury in training

The 25-year-old forward injured his thigh during a training session last Friday. Because of this issue he was unable to take part in Saturday's match against Tottenham, in which Chelsea suffered a defeat (0:2). According to Alonso, the medical staff are not yet able to specify the exact recovery time for the striker. The coach also confirmed that the team will not be able to count on the Brazilian in the upcoming matches.

Which matches the Chelsea striker will miss

The absence of João Pedro will be a noticeable loss for the Londoners. At the start of the season the forward managed to play seven matches in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing three assists.

Alonso acknowledged that the striker's injury will complicate preparation for the upcoming games, but emphasized that the team has enough players to handle the current tasks.

Already on Wednesday Chelsea will face Liverpool in the round of 16 match of the English League Cup. Then, on Saturday, the London side will play at home against Manchester United in the English Premier League.

What to do with João Pedro for Fantasy EPL owners

For the next couple of gameweeks, Pedro is definitely worth selling, as keeping the injured striker worth £7.8 million on the bench does not seem like a sensible decision.

To replace the Brazilian for the next gameweek there are, at least, three quality alternative options, in our opinion:

Expensive option. Erling Haaland, Man City (price – 15.8 million, 66 points scored this season)

If you have extra millions in your balance before making a transfer, then choosing Haaland is a reliable option. The Norwegian and his team will host Brighton, and although the opponent is tricky and dangerous, the Citizens with their main striker are clearly intent on scoring many goals after having lost in the previous round in Birmingham.

Mid‑price option. Nicolas Jackson, Aston Villa (price – 6.8 million, 34 points scored this season)

The Senegalese striker has hit a powerful stride, as has his whole team overall. In the last 4 Premier League gameweeks Jackson scored 4 goals and amassed a total of 30 points during this period in Fantasy EPL. Although in the previous 4 gameweeks Nicolas had only 4 points. Clear progress! And the next opponent is the modest Fulham.

Cheaper option. Evanilson, Bournemouth (price – 6.2 million, 43 points scored this season)

Another “hot” striker who has found excellent form. In the last 3 gameweeks the Brazilian has been scoring goals, and during this period Evanilson also has one assist to his name. In the next gameweek Bournemouth will host Leeds, who have been consistently scoring many goals at home in recent seasons.