Pedro injury worse than first thought

Antonio Conte says Pedro’s facial injury is more serious than was first thought.

The Chelsea playmaker was taken off during the first half of the Blues’ friendly against Arsenal in China following a collision with Gunners goalkeeper David Ospina.

Pedro was taken to hospital to be assessed and Chelsea initially hoped he would rejoin the squad in Singapore, where their pre-season campaign continues with a friendly against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

However, he has flown back to London and boss Conte says the Spaniard suffered “multiple fractures” in Saturday’s clash.

Pedro is expected to return to training the week after next and will need to wear a protective mask.

“I hoped it would be only concussion. But I think with a mask in 10 days he could come back to work with us,” Conte added.