The January loan signing will miss the next three Premier League games after getting sent off in the second half for a high challenge on Kenny Tete....CONTINUE READING
When he first arrived at Chelsea, Joao Felix was not met with the kind of enthusiastic welcome that everyone had hoped for. Referee David Coote dismissed the 23-year-old in the 58th minute for a risky challenge on Kenny Tete.
As Denis Zakaria had just been forced off with an injury, Felix’s ejection was a major setback for Chelsea. Fulham beat Chelsea and increased the pressure on Graham Potter with a win thanks to a header by Carlos Vinicius that went past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
After losing, Potter explained that he understood Coote’s choice but stood by Felix’s motivations for issuing the challenge.
A forward’s tackle that “reacted from the side,” as Potter put it. “Zero animosity existed. What you’re doing is understandable, and my condolences.
This is another blow. That’s doubly disappointing because I believed he was good and his quality showed in the game.”
The loss will make 2023 a miserable year for Chelsea. The Blues have played four games since the new year began, but they have only managed to score thrice.
They are still in tenth position, ten points behind the top four, and their chances of bringing the Champions League back to Stamford Bridge are diminishing.
Due to Felix’s dismissal, Potter will have to deal with yet another selection dilemma for the rest of January because he will miss three Premier League games which are
Crystal Palace (H) – Sunday, January 15
Liverpool (A) – Saturday, January 21
Fulham (H) – Friday, February 3
