According to ESPN, Chelsea striker João Pedro has withdrawn from Brazil's upcoming international matches due to a knee injury, with medical reports recommending 3.5 weeks of rest. However, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca did not confirm this at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's game against Brentford, stating instead that no player has been definitively ruled out for the match.

Reporter: What is the injury and squad status?

Maresca said: "Regarding injuries and the squad, we still have one final training session, but no one has been definitively ruled out for Friday's match against Brentford. Therefore, I prefer to be cautious and make final decisions for each player after the final training session."

The reporter then repeatedly asked about João Pedro, who has withdrawn from the Brazil national team.

Reporter: Can you comment on João Pedro's injury?

Maresca simply replied: "No."

Reporter: So has he at least participated in training?

Maresca remained evasive: "We'll see tomorrow (Friday) if he's ready to play, then we'll make a decision."

However, according to information obtained by ESPN, João Pedro is indeed injured and not fit to play.

ESPN cited multiple sources stating that João Pedro suffered knee swelling from a sprain to his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament during Chelsea's recent draw with Hull City.

After feeling discomfort in his knee, João Pedro visited a clinic in London for examination on Tuesday, September 15. The medical report's recommendation was clear: he needs 3.5 weeks to recover.

Chelsea then submitted this medical documentation to the Brazilian Football Confederation, which on Wednesday, September 16, removed João Pedro from the roster for Brazil's upcoming friendly matches and called up Fluminense midfielder Martinelli as his replacement.

According to ESPN, despite Maresca not explicitly confirming João Pedro's injury at the press conference, the striker will not be available for Chelsea against Brentford.

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