Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea head coach, now faces a challenging situation with his team due to an injury crisis at the top end of the pitch.
The Chelsea manager will need to find a solution in the striker position because of the double injury blow in the Blues squad.
Chelsea strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu have both suffered injuries, which leaves them short of options in the No.9 role. Jackson could be sidelined until April with his hamstring problem, while Guiu is not expected back in February.
Enzo Maresca has turned to Christopher Nkunku this season whenever Jackson or Guiu don’t play, but we’ve seen he finds it difficult as the centre-forward.
Chelsea fans think Blues winger can solve injury crisis at striker
A selection of Chelsea fans on social media have put forward the rogue idea of playing Pedro Neto, 24, as the striker amid the injury crisis.
Here are Blues supporters on X suggesting the winger leads the line…
One fan wrote: “Why don’t we try Pedro Neto as a 9? I’m sure he played a few games there at Wolves.”
“I’ll say it again. Play Pedro Neto as a centre-forward,” another posted.
Pedro Neto should be the striker going forward
— Adan Tripple A (@Adan06108838)
February 12, 2025
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One supporter claimed: “Pedro is the best option. Neto can press which is very essential for a Chelsea striker. Neto is very fast. Neto shoots better. Neto can track back when needed.”
“He should play Cole Plamer at right wing and player either Pedro Neto or Noni Madueke as a striker. I’d prefer Neto though as he can press better than Noni,” another said.
We could play Pedro Neto as a ST, he will press and he has pace. Will be better than Nkunku I think…#ChelseaFC | #CFC
— Maka (@CFCMaka)
February 12, 2025
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When he first joined Chelsea, Neto said he’s comfortable playing in any of the three attacking positions. We’d be surprised to see him in a central role the next time the Blues play, which is on Friday night away to Brighton in the Premier League.
Has Pedro Neto played as a striker before?
Even though Neto hasn’t lined up for Chelsea yet as a central striker, the position isn’t completely unfamiliar to him.
Of course, the 24-year-old Portuguese star is most recognised as a winger, with most of his best work coming when he cuts infield from the right. However, he’s led the line a few times in his club career before.
| Games played | Goals | Assists |
| 12 | 0 | 1 |
Neto was poor in Chelsea’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton as he struggled to provide much of an attacking threat on the right wing. Even so, we don’t think putting him more centrally as the centre-forward is the right thing to do.
Some Blues supporters may be keen on the idea of Neto covering at striker, but we fear he could be extremely isolated up there.