Xabi Alonso has a headache up front. That seemed nearly inconceivable a few weeks ago when Chelsea ’s front three was being argued as the best in the Premier League .

But alas, that is what has transpired. Joao Pedro , whose scintillating start to the season produced five goals and three assists in six appearances, is now sidelined for a “few weeks” with a thigh injury . The issue was picked up in training the day before the bitter Tottenham defeat on the weekend, which Joao Pedro played no part of.

Despite his impressive early numbers, the striker has endured rotten luck with injuries already this term. He was left dejected as a knee injury forced him out of Brazil duty during the international break, which was meant to bring his return to the Selecao fold after being snubbed for the World Cup.…