Liam Delap replaced him in the starting line-up. This change came as Chelsea sought to break a three-game losing streak in the Premier League.

Pedro has been crucial for Chelsea this season, scoring 19 goals across all competitions. His absence was felt throughout the squad.

Manager Liam Rosenior expressed hope that Pedro would return for the next match against Brighton on Tuesday. He stated, “Joao felt his thigh a few days ago. He was touch and go for this one, so hopefully we’ll have him back for Brighton.”

Enzo Fernandez returned to the starting line-up after missing two matches, adding some experience to the team.

Rosenior noted the differences between Delap and Pedro. “Not too much. They’re a different profile of striker: Liam likes to stretch and run behind, Joao likes to play to feet,” he explained.

The manager acknowledged how much they missed Pedro’s contributions: “We have missed everything about him: his character, his quality in possession, his drive to win.”

Chelsea made two changes for this match, aiming to improve their performance against a strong Manchester United side.

As it stands, Chelsea hopes to have their top scorer back soon. The team’s ability to rebound from recent losses may depend on his swift recovery.

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Chelsea emerged victorious with a commanding 4-1 win over Aston Villa, raising questions about the latter’s home performance. This match took place at Villa Park in Birmingham on March 4, 2026, and showcased a remarkable display from Chelsea, particularly from Joao Pedro, who scored a hat-trick.

How did the match unfold?

The match began with a surprising twist as Aston Villa took the lead just two minutes in, thanks to Douglas Luiz, who flicked in a low cross from Leon Bailey. However, Chelsea quickly regrouped and turned the tide in their favor. Joao Pedro’s hat-trick, which brought his season total to 17 goals, was complemented by a goal from Cole Palmer, marking a significant comeback for Chelsea after conceding early.

What does this victory mean for both teams?

This win was pivotal for Chelsea, propelling them to fifth place in the Premier League standings, just three points behind Aston Villa. The match also highlighted Aston Villa’s struggles, as it represented their heaviest home defeat in two years, raising concerns about their form at Villa Park.

What were the key moments in the match?

Despite Chelsea’s initial setback, they demonstrated resilience, with Joao Pedro’s performance breathing new life into their Champions League aspirations. The match also featured a penalty claim from Chelsea that was rejected and a goal from Ollie Watkins for Aston Villa that was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

What is next for both teams?

Looking ahead, Chelsea will face Wrexham in the FA Cup Round of 16, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, Aston Villa will need to reassess their strategy to avoid further slip-ups as they continue their Premier League campaign.

This match not only showcased Chelsea’s attacking prowess but also raised questions about Aston Villa’s ability to maintain their position in the league. The implications of this game will be felt in the upcoming fixtures as both teams strive for their respective goals.

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