Enzo Maresca arrives at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca arrives at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca and Chelsea handed major boost following decision by one national team boss

Chelsea have been handed a major boost after it was confirmed that Pedro Neto will return to Cobham next week after being given the green light to withdraw from the Portugal squad.

Neto continued his recent good form as he got on the scoresheet during Portugal’s 5-1 win against Poland in the Nations League on Friday night.

The 24-year-old’s second goal for his country meant he’s now scored in back to back games for both club and country, after scoring his first Premier League goal against Arsenal last Sunday.

Neto given green light to return to Chelsea early

Neto has arguably been Chelsea’s most in form attacker since coming on as a half time substitute in last month’s defeat against Liverpool.

The Portugal international has started to find his feet and is now showing the form many expected from him when he joined from Wolves in the summer for an initial £51.4m.

With the games coming thick and fast after the international break as the season builds up to the busy Christmas schedule, the Blues have been handed a major boost in regards to Neto.

Pedro Neto plays against Barrow. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Neto has been in great form for club and country in recent weeks. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Speaking after the victory against Poland Roberto Martinez confirmed Neto would be one of four players to return back to their club side early.

“In the first stage, we made six changes from one game to the next,” he told his post match press conference.

“It’s important for us to be first, and we already are. We need to be competitive to add to the group, it’s getting harder and harder to get into the starting eleven. There’s a World Cup finals in 18 months.

“The game against Croatia is important, we need to look at other players. We’re going to let go of Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended. We’re going to call up Fábio Silva and Quenda for the Under-21s.”

It’s good news for Chelsea as it means one less game for Neto and it also means he’s got an opportunity to recover before the Blues embark on a hectic run of fixtures.

Whether he plays on the left or the right Neto has made one thing clear with his form in recent week and that is he should be starting for the Blues on a regular basis.

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