Officially: João Pedro excluded from Brazil squad due to injury

The Brazilian Football Confederation has excluded João Pedro, Chelsea's forward, from Brazil's squad during the upcoming international break due to injury, in another setback for the player who was preparing to return to the "Seleção" under coach Carlo Ancelotti.

João Pedro has received a call-up to the Brazil national team after a strong start with Chelsea, having excelled during the early weeks of the season, before an injury ruled him out of upcoming international matches against Australia and India.

Carlo Ancelotti has called up Martinelli, a Fluminense player, to replace Chelsea's striker for his first opportunity with the senior national team, while the Brazilian Football Confederation has yet to disclose the nature of João Pedro's injury or the expected duration of his absence.

João Pedro's absence comes at a time when the player was enjoying a remarkable period with Chelsea, having been awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for August, making his exclusion a blow for both the club and national team ahead of a busy fixture schedule.