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ANTONIO CONTE has revealed that Pedro's injury was more serious than first thought.

The Spanish winger has suffered "multiple fractures" according to the Blues boss and will be the latest Chelsea player who will need to wear a protective mask.

 Pedro has suffered a fractured cheekbone and will need to wear a protective mask
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Pedro has suffered a fractured cheekbone and will need to wear a protective maskCredit: Reuters
 The Blues winger has flown home from pre-season after the heavy collision with David Ospina
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The Blues winger has flown home from pre-season after the heavy collision with David OspinaCredit: Reuters

He is expected to return to training in 10 days.

Pedro had to fly home from the club's pre-season tour after he was clattered by Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina in the 3-0 win on Saturday.

The winger was taken to hospital as a precaution after the incident and managed to give the thumbs up on social media.

On Saturday evening he wrote: "What a shock! Fortunately everything is ok.

"Thanks for your messages."

Pedro was smashed into by Ospina as the pair chased a ball over the top.

 Pedro gave the thumbs up in hospital
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Pedro gave the thumbs up in hospitalCredit: Twitter
 Pedro previously wore a protective mask in May 2016 after breaking his nose in a fall at home
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Pedro previously wore a protective mask in May 2016 after breaking his nose in a fall at homeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

CHELSEA PLAYERS IN MASKS

  • John Terry - September 2008
  • Petr Cech - November 2011
  • Paulo Ferreira - December 2011
  • Demba Ba - February 2013
  • Fernando Torres - March 2013
  • Ramires - March 2014
  • Cesc Fabregas - April 2015
  • Gary Cahill - September 2015
  • Nemanja Matic - December 2015
  • Cesar Azpilicueta - January 2016
  • Diego Costa - February 2016
  • Pedro - May 2016

The 29-year-old was clearly dazed and confused as blood poured from his nose and head.

Speaking after the game, Conte said Pedro had suffered concussion but was fine.

However, speaking at a press conference this morning, Conte said it was worse than he first thought.

Pedro will not return to the Far East, with the Blues set to return to England at the beginning of August.

They only have two more official pre-season games left, against Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, but will play a number of games behind closed doors in the build up to the season.

 Antonio Conte will play Alvaro Morata against Bayern Munich - but not from the start
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Antonio Conte will play Alvaro Morata against Bayern Munich - but not from the startCredit: Getty Images
 Pedro sat up with blood clearly dripping from his head after the incident
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Pedro sat up with blood clearly dripping from his head after the incidentCredit: Reuters
 Numerous Chelsea players have worn masks in recent years
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Numerous Chelsea players have worn masks in recent yearsCredit: Getty Images
 Diego Costa wore one the season before last
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Diego Costa wore one the season before lastCredit: Getty Images

Chelsea have seen a number of their players wear protective masks in recent years.

Petr Cech, John Terry, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres are just a few who have played in one.

Pedro has even worn one BEFORE - in May 2016 he broke his nose while suffering a fall at home and faced Liverpool wearing one.

Conte also confirmed that Alvaro Morata will make his Chelsea debut against Bayern Munich.

But the club record signing will not play from the start.


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