Chelsea have warned staff about the risks of playing Fantasy Premier League, sources have told ESPN, after João Pedro's injury appeared to have been detected by outsiders due to their team selections.
The Brazilian was an unexpected absentee for Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Oct. 24.
Blues boss Xabi Alonso did not confirm the Brazil striker's absence in his pre-match news conference but some prominent Fantasy Premier League users claimed to have spotted that Morgan Rogers and other Chelsea staff members had removed him from their respective starting XIs.
Alonso has been notably guarded when asked about injuries to his players since taking over at the Premier League club last summer.
The Spaniard was quizzed on the subject after the Tottenham match, with Alonso replying: "I am not into the fantasy team thing, so I didn't know that."
Sources have told ESPN that shortly afterwards, Chelsea staff at Cobham were reminded that their activity on Fantasy Premier League might be interpreted by some from outside the club as indicators of player injuries or tactical switches by the coaching staff.
Staff were reminded not to act on any information that may be interpreted as unavailable to the public.
Players and staff at rival Premier League clubs have also had to navigate the interpretations of eagle-eyed Fantasy Premier League users who have identified key accounts.
João Pedro has remained unavailable since the defeat to Spurs in west London with the striker missing matches against Liverpool, Manchester United and Sunderland.
- Alonso insists Chelsea were not 'bullied' by Sunderland after defeat
