NEWS · 19 Sep 2026
Chelsea miss Joao Pedro and struggle to defend
Chelsea's defensive problems persist, with the team struggling to keep clean sheets. The injury to Joao Pedro has further hampered their ability to score. The Blues have been unable to stop opponents from finding the back of the net, leaving them in a difficult position.
Chelsea have been unable to keep clean sheets in recent fixtures, with the defence leaking goals against several opponents. The lack of solidity at the back has become a recurring theme for the Blues, undermining their overall performance on the pitch.
Compounding the issue is the injury to midfielder Joao Pedro, who has been a key figure in both defensive transitions and attacking build‑up. His absence has left a noticeable gap in the midfield, affecting the team's rhythm and composure.
Without Pedro, Chelsea’s goal‑scoring has also suffered. The team has struggled to convert chances into goals, making it harder to offset the goals they concede.
These problems have left the squad in a difficult position, as they aim to regain consistency and improve both defensive resilience and offensive output. The coaching staff will need to adjust tactics and line‑ups to address these shortcomings.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will look to tighten their defence and restore their attacking threat in the upcoming fixtures. The team will need to find a balance between preventing goals and creating scoring opportunities to climb the league table.