Joao Pedro withdraws from Brazil squad due to injury

Chelsea striker Joao Pedro has withdrawn from Brazil's national squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India due to an injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Wednesday. The setback comes just weeks after Pedro was recalled to the squad following his controversial omission from Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad by coach Carlo Ancelotti. Pedro has made an exceptional start to the 2026-27 Premier League season, scoring three goals and providing three assists in four appearances for Chelsea. His performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for August 2026. According to analytics firm Gradient Sports, Pedro ranks as the best player in Europe's top five leagues based on early-season metrics, leading in both overall grade and impact score. The 24-year-old forward was left out of Ancelotti's World Cup squad despite scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances for Chelsea in the previous season, a decision that drew surprise given his form. Ancelotti cited squad balance and tactical fit for the omission, while veteran Neymar was included but made limited impact. Pedro expressed disappointment on social media at the time.