A key player under Enzo Maresca, Neto has recorded 22 goal contributions in 65 appearances since moving to Stamford Bridge from Wolves last year in a move that cost the side £52M.
Earlier this week in the club’s 1-0 win over Tottenham, Neto was seen taunting Spurs fans in an act that delighted supporters as he shouted abuse at their London rivals before his side picked up a valuable three points.
However, as reported by The Standard, the Blues squad trained on Tuesday morning ahead of flying out to Azerbaijan for their fourth league phase game and Neto was absent from the large group of players who attended.
Maresca has been monitoring the fitness of first team stars such as Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro in recent weeks. A knock to Neto is the last thing he needs ahead of the European clash with Azerbaijan champions Qarabag.
All eyes will be on Maresca’s press conferences over the next week as the media prepare to ask questions as to why the Portuguese international has been absent in what may lead to a number of weeks on the sidelines.