Chelsea's João Pedro to miss Japan and Singapore games

Striker João Pedro has been ruled out of Brazil's November friendlies after Chelsea confirmed a muscle injury, meaning he will miss the matches against Japan on the 14th and Singapore on the 17th. The club notified the Brazilian Football Confederation, ending his hopes of a quick return.

João Pedro had featured on Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary list sent to the national team on Thursday. The striker was among the 26 names the coach initially considered for the November window. However, the English side’s medical staff later deemed him unfit for international duty.

Injury sidelines João Pedro from Brazil friendlies

According to Cahê Mota of ge, the forward suffered a muscle strain that will keep him out of the Japan and Singapore fixtures. Chelsea communicated the situation to the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF), confirming he cannot be selected. The club’s medical department warned recovery will exceed two weeks, making a November call‑up impossible.

Esta será mais uma data FIFA em que João Pedro ficará de fora por questões físicas. In September and October he also missed the Australia and India friendlies after a knee trauma on the eve of the squad announcement. Those setbacks already disrupted Ancelotti’s plan to reintegrate the striker.

During Ancelotti’s first year in charge, João Pedro featured in most call‑ups but was omitted from the final 2026 World Cup list, reportedly listed as the 27th name. The coach opted for players such as Neymar, Rayan and Igor Thiago, leaving the forward frustrated.

Chelsea form offers bright spot amid national disappointment

Despite the international setbacks, João Pedro enjoys a prolific spell at Chelsea. He was named the Premier League’s Player of August, tallying five goals and three assists, eight direct contributions in seven appearances. The striker’s form has sparked optimism about his future role at the London club.

Carlo Ancelotti will reveal the definitive 26‑man squad on Thursday at 15:00 Brasília time, ahead of the Singapore‑based matches. Brazil will host Japan on 14 November and Singapore on 17 November, both classified as the year’s final friendlies.