Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has ruled out the Brazil-India match due to injury

Brazil forward Joao Pedro has pulled out of the national squad due to injury ahead of the team’s upcoming warm-up matches, including their much-anticipated clash with India in Kolkata. Fluminense midfielder Martinelli was called up by Carlo Ancelotti as his replacement.

The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the change on Wednesday but did not reveal the nature of Joo Pedro’s injury. The Chelsea forward has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, scoring three goals in six games and being named Premier League Player of the Month for August.

Joao Pedro scored in the 2-2 draw against Hull last weekend, Chelsea have yet to provide further details on his fitness. His absence means India will miss the opportunity to field one of the strikers who have been included in Ancelotti’s squad for the upcoming international window.

In India, the focus is now shifting to quality Brazil team to arrive in Kolkata for friendly match on 3rd October at Salt Lake Stadium. The match is set to be one of the biggest matches in Indian football in recent years, with several established stars still expected to be part of Ancelotti’s plans.

MARTINELLI REPLACES JOAO PEDRO

Ancelotti brought Martinelli into the team after the withdrawal of Joo Pedro. The Fluminense midfielder will now be part of Brazil’s preparations for the matches against Australia and India.

The selection of Joao Pedro also marked his return to the Brazil set-up after he was surprisingly left out of the 2026 World Cup squad. His impressive form at Chelsea made the decision a talking point, but his latest injury has now ruled out his involvement in the upcoming matches.

Brazil are entering a new phase following their early exit from the World Cup, with Ancelotti using the international window to assess his options ahead of future competitions.

BRAZILIAN STARS STILL EXPECTED IN CALCUTTA

Joao Pedro’s absence does not detract from the star power expected in Kolkata. Vinicius Junior and Endrick are both part of the Brazil squad, although their stay in India may be short due to Real Madrid’s schedule.

According to The Telegraph , Real Madrid are considering sending a chartered flight to Kolkata to fly Vinicius and Endrick back to Madrid soon after the India match. The club are scheduled to face Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 10.

Brazil’s squad also includes Barcelona forward Raphinha, Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos and Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes. India will face Uruguay three days after the Brazil match, with Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde expected to start for the South American side on October 6.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

17 Sep 2026 07:37 IST