Antonio Conte expects Pedro to be fit for Chelsea's trip to Stoke after ankle injury

1/43
Simon Johnson18 September 2017

Antonio Conte remains optimistic that Pedro will recover from an ankle injury in time to face Stoke on Saturday.

Pedro was substituted at half-time in the4 0-0 draw with Arsenal having been in discomfort following a tackle by Nacho Monreal.

"Pedro had a knock on his ankle and I hope it's nothing more serious," Conte said. "I hope (he can play next weekend).

"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."

Chelsea head to Stoke looking to keep the heat on the Manchester clubs at the top of the Premier League table.

Both United and City recorded convincing victories at the weekend, while Conte's Blues were held by the Gunners and now sit three points off the summit.

The Blues will be without David Luiz for the trip to the Bet365 Stadium after the defender was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Sead Kolasinac.

Luiz will also miss Wednesday's League Cup match against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge and the League game at home to City at the end of the month.