Joao Pedro has been forced to pull out of the Brazil squad for the upcoming international break because of injury, in what could be a blow to Chelsea before their Friday night trip to Brentford.The 24-year-old striker has scored three goals and assisted three in the Premier League this season at the head of a front three including Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.Joao Pedro’s problem and whether it is major or minor has not been disclosed. Brazil cited an ‘injury’ as the reason for his withdrawal as they called up Matheus Martinelli in his place.Chelsea declined to comment when contacted, though Xabi Alonso will be asked about his striker at his pre-Brentford press conference at 1.30pm on Thursday.Chelsea fans will be hoping to hear his withdrawal is purely precautionary, though pulling out of Brazil duty will have them concerned that he is unlikely to feature this Friday at least. The Blues have not won at the Brentford Community Stadium since 2021. Chelsea star Joao Pedro has withdrawn from the upcoming Brazil squad due to injury The striker is yet to score for Brazil and was a shock omission from their World Cup squadWithout Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, the 35-year-old signed from Brighton in the summer, would likely lead their front line.There was some concern earlier this week when Chelsea trained at Cobham and the first 15 minutes were made publicly available. Joao Pedro was not involved in those early stages of the session, along with Reece James and Moises Caicedo, who has been nursing a calf issue.Joao Pedro was due to return to the Brazil squad after being snubbed for the World Cup by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been in attendance at Chelsea games this season. They are scheduled to play games against Australia and India during the break, with significant travelling involved for those who play in England, including Chelsea starlet Estevao.After facing Brentford this Friday, Chelsea are not due to play again until Bournemouth visit on Saturday October 10 after a three-week break.