The forward has been a regular for the Blues since his summer arrival from Brighton, but will miss today's game at the Bridge.

And Rosenior revealed: '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 on Tuesday.'

Liam Delap replaces Joao Pedro in the starting line-up and when asked how it changes things for his team, Rosenior replied: 'Not too much. They're a different profile of striker: Liam likes to stretch and run behind, Joao likes to play to feet.

'But we feel like Liam has been really pushing for his opportunity to play and hopefully goes out there and takes it.'

Chelsea have made two changes for today's match, with Enzo Fernandez returning to the side after his two-match absence, with Andrey Santos dropping to the bench.

And Rosenior is delighted to have the Argentina international back, adding: 'We have missed everything about him: his character, his quality in possession, his drive to win.

'He's a huge part of the squad, and it's great to have him back.'