Chelsea vs Tottenham: Why Is Joao Pedro Not Playing Today In Premier League London Derby?

Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League London derby at Stamford Bridge today, but fans have noticed a big name missing from the team sheet. Striker Joao Pedro, the Blues' top scorer this season, is not in the matchday squad.

Here is the reason behind his absence, how Xabi Alonso has reshuffled his attack, and everything you need to know about the Premier League clash. Why Is Joao Pedro Not Playing Today?

Pedro is not involved against Spurs due to an injury that the club is still assessing. Chelsea FC have not said what the problem is, and the 25-year-old was pictured in training on Friday, so the setback appears to have come late.

Pedro has scored five goals and set up three more in the Premier League this season, and a knee injury in September kept him out of the defeat to Brentford. Chelsea are also short in goal.

Emiliano Martinez will miss several weeks after surgery on a fractured jaw, which brings Mike Penders into the side. You Might Be Interested In Alonso has picked Geovany Quenda to replace Pedro in the Chelsea starting XI, and both Quenda and Penders make their full Premier League debuts.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers play just behind Quenda in the attack. Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview The London Derby kicks off at 5:30 pm BST at Stamford Bridge, with Chris Kavanagh as referee.

Alonso's side are fourth in the table with 13 points and 17 goals from seven games. They have won their last two league matches, against Bournemouth and Everton, and are chasing a third straight win.

Tottenham have had a much rougher season. Spurs sit 16th with six points from seven games, having scored six and conceded ten.

They won their first league game of the season last weekend, which gives Roberto De Zerbi's team a little belief. Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended for the visitors.