Pedro red card highlights Chelsea's discipline ahead of Ajax

Joao Pedro was sent off late in Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League win over Benfica on Tuesday, becoming the third Chelsea player to receive a red card in four matches and drawing attention to the club’s mounting injury and disciplinary problems. The forward, introduced as a substitute in the 61st minute, was shown two yellow cards and will miss Chelsea’s next Champions League fixture against Ajax on October 22. He was also omitted from Brazil’s squad for upcoming friendlies, a move Chelsea expect will give him time to recover.

The only goal of the match came via an own goal from Benfica defender Richard Rios, handing Enzo Maresca his first Champions League victory as Chelsea manager. Pedro entered the game after starting on the bench and was booked within a minute for a foul. He earned a second booking in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time for a high boot. Maresca confirmed after the match that midfielder Andrey Santos would be out until the international break.

Pedro’s dismissal continues a recent pattern of dismissals at Chelsea. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez received a straight red card for a foul on Bryan Mbeumo in a 2-1 loss at Manchester United, and Trevoh Chalobah was...