Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane claims that Chelsea’s new signing Pedro Neto could spend more time on the treatment table than out on the pitch.
Replying to comments made by Ian Wright on the Stick to Football podcast that the Portuguese international would be a “great” addition to the Blues’ squad, Keane said:
“He’s always injured! He’s like Shaw.”
When Wright defended his position by claiming that Neto could add to the “chaotic side” of Chelsea, making them unpredictable in attack, Keane countered that suggestion by saying:
“No, he’s going to add to the chaos. Run everywhere and six months on the treatment table, hamstring injury.”
Neto’s injury record is a concern
Since moving to Wolves from Lazio in 2019, the winger has spent 584 days on the sidelines, having sustained two serious injuries (knee and ankle), whilst also suffering from hamstring problems.
Neto has missed 122 matches for club and country over the past five years so fans are right to be worried about whether their new signing will be able to stay fit and available for an extended period.
Chelsea need to sell before the end of the month
It’s a big risk splashing out £54m on a rather injury-prone player and there are also other consequences that come with such a significant expenditure.
The club will have to trim their squad before the transfer window closes on August 30th. In addition to players like Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, David Datro Fofana, Cesare Casadei an Armando Broja being let go, some other names could depart as well.
Neto’s arrival inevitably raises question marks about the future of Noni Madueke. He has a similar profile (a left-footed right winger) so it would not be a surprise if the 22-year-old leaves over the next couple of weeks.
