The Brazilian striker was a shock absentee as team-sheets were released at Stamford Bridge. He played 90 minutes against Everton last time out and was pictured in training as recently as Friday.
Standard Sport understands he has picked up an injury and is currently being assessed by Chelsea’s medical staff.
Joao Pedro now finds himself in a race against time to be passed fit for the midweek trip to Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
His injury is a considerable blow for Chelsea. Joao Pedro has been in fine form this season, with five goals and three assists in six Premier League appearances.w
In his place, Geovany Quenda is called into the front three for his full Premier League debut, starting alongside Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.
Danny Welbeck, who was thought to be the Blues’ second-choice striker, is named to the bench. So too is Estevao, while the injured ex-Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha is left out of the squad altogether.
Mike Penders gets the nod between the sticks as expected, with Emi Martinez recovering from a broken jaw.
There are also surprises on the Tottenham team sheet, with James Maddison getting the nod despite missing three days of training this week. He is partnered in midfield by Mateus Fernandes, while Pedro Porro is only fit enough for the bench.