Why Joao Pedro isn't playing for Chelsea vs Tottenham as Xabi Alonso issues update

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Chelsea have been forced into changes for their Premier League clash with Tottenham, with Joao Pedro absent. (Image: Getty Images)Joao Pedro has been ruled out of Chelsea's squad for Saturday evening's clash against Tottenham due to an injury currently under assessment.

Pedro Neto, last weekend's match-winner, is set to operate on the right flank, with Jorrel Hato deployed on the opposite side.Jordan Henderson and Saturday's captain, Moises Caicedo, form Chelsea's midfield partnership. Make sure you don't miss the biggest sports news and strongest opinion by making the Daily Express one of your Google preferred sources Regarding Tottenham, Roberto De Zerbi has made two changes from the side that defeated Coventry City on Monday evening, with Mathys Tel and Mateus Fernandes coming in to replace Tosin Adarabioyo and Dominic Solanke.Chelsea boss Alonso offered an update on Pedro, telling Sky Sports: "Yesterday in training he felt something, and at the moment he has some liquid, so we have to do some tests to know how big the injury is.

It's disappointing, but we need to carry on."Joao Pedro has scored five Premier League goals in five matches this season (Image: Getty)When asked about his surprise replacement, Quenda, Alonso replied: "He has many qualities. Geo has been and today it's a big game to make your debut as a starter."Chelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Hato; Palmer, Rogers, Quenda.Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Kudus, Maddison, Tel; Marmoush.