Chelsea striker João Pedro has withdrawn from the Brazil national team squad after suffering an injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old had been recalled by head coach Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming international friendlies against Australia and India.
However, the CBF announced that João Pedro will no longer be part of the squad and has been replaced by Fluminense midfielder Martinelli. The federation did not disclose the nature or severity of João Pedro’s injury.
João Pedro had made an impressive start to the 2026/27 season with Chelsea. He has scored three goals in six appearances across all competitions and was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August.
The striker played the full 90 minutes and scored in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Hull last weekend. Chelsea has yet to provide further details about the injury.
His withdrawal comes just days before Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Brentford on Friday, making his fitness a concern for manager Xabi Alonso ahead of the match.
João Pedro’s Brazil recall had been viewed as an opportunity for him to return to the national team after he was surprisingly left out of Ancelotti’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brazil will face Australia twice during the upcoming international window, on September 25 and 29, before playing India on October 3. Martinelli will now join Ancelotti’s squad in place of the injured Chelsea forward.
