Enzo Maresca has just provided an update on the fitness of Chelsea signing Pedro Neto ahead of the club’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
Chelsea begin their 2024/25 campaign on Sunday afternoon by hosting reigning champions Man City in the league.
Blues fans will be keen to know when Pedro Neto, 24, will be ready for his club debut. He only arrived at Stamford Bridge last weekend on a seven-year deal after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Neto’s taken the number 19 shirt, which has previously been worn at Chelsea by the likes of Diego Costa and Mason Mount. Hopefully, the skilful attacker is ready to create his own bit of history at Stamford Bridge.
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Enzo Maresca gives fitness update on Pedro Neto
During his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Maresca confirmed that Neto is fit and ready to make his Chelsea debut this Sunday against Man City.
The Portuguese winger is deemed fit enough to play this weekend, but the Blues head coach explained he’s still adapting to the tactics in his first week. He kept his cards close to his chest regarding whether he’ll be in the starting line-up.
When asked if Neto is fit enough to start against Man City, Maresca said via Chelsea’s YouTube channel: “Pedro, his physical condition is good. The only problem with Pedro is that he’s here two or three days. He needs to understand the way we want to play.
“For sure, he’s fit. He’ll be with us. We’ll see if it’s from the start or on the bench. He’s completely fit.”
Unleash Pedro Neto
Even if it’s just for a 20-minute cameo off the bench, Neto should be handed a Chelsea debut on Sunday. He’ll still be getting to grips of his new environment in this first week with the Blues squad, but he’s someone that knows the Premier League inside out already.
The former Wolves forward has enjoyed success against Man City in the past, so the last thing they’ll want is him running at their defence with pace and directness.
Chelsea players such as Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke caught the eye in pre-season, so rewarding them with starts makes sense. However, we feel it won’t be long before Neto and Cole Palmer are the main starters on the wings.
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