Antonio Conte sends message to Chelsea fans about Pedro injury

Chelsea's Spanish duo Cesc Fabregas and Pedro Photo: Pedro / Instagram

Antonio Conte is optimistic Pedro will recover from his injury setback for Chelsea’s trip to Stoke City next Saturday.

The Spain international required treatment following his challenge with Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal in the first half of their goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.

Pedro has made an impressive start to the Premier League season following a return of one goal in four appearances in the 2017-18 season so far.

Chelsea lost 3-2 to Burnley in their opening Premier League games before successive victories over Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Leicester City to get their title bid back on track.

However, Arsene Wenger’s side brought that winning run to an end with a goalless stalemate, and the draw came at a heavy cost following Pedro’s injury setback.

Pedro has blossomed into a key player over the past 12 months since Antonio Conte took over the reins of the west London outfit.

The Chelsea manager provided an update on the winger’s fitness ahead of next weekend’s trip to Stoke at the bet365 Stadium.

“Pedro had a knock on his ankle and I hope it’s nothing more serious,” Conte told his post-match media conference following their goalless draw with Arsenal.

“Don’t forget that against Arsenal in pre-season, he broke his face and then he missed many games. I hope he will recover very well for the next (League) game.”

Pedro scored nine goals and made nine assists in 35 appearances in the Premier League last season during their title-winning campaign under Conte.

The Spanish forward moved to Chelsea in a £21m deal from Barcelona in 2015.

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