Five strikers FPL managers must consider after Joao Pedro injury news including 1.7 per cent differential

Fantasy Premier League managers have been left scrambling after Joao Pedro's reported injury, but there are five strikers that are perfect replacements.

There's now just one round of Premier League fixtures remaining ahead of the upcoming three-week international break and things have already descended into chaos for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers.

Chelsea striker Pedro, who is in 74.4% of all teams having been one of the best performers in FPL so far, has reportedly suffered a knee injury keeping him out of Brazil's squad, forcing managers to consider one of five top replacements.

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Five Joao Pedro FPL replacements to choose from ahead of Gameweek Five

Last week, Pedro played 90 minutes and scored a second-half equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Hull, taking his points tally to 33 points with three goals and three assists in four appearances.

But, the Chelsea striker later missed training and has since been taken out of Brazil's squad for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, with Fluminense’s Martinelli called up in his place.

The news means that, for FPL managers, it could be best to wait and see how Pedro recovers over the international break, but some managers may be forced into making a change or even playing a chip (Free Hit or Wildcard) in the wake of the news.

For those considering moving Pedro on ahead of the Gameweek Five deadline, there are some strikers that stand out from the rest as by far the best picks as his replacements, and here's why.

Alexander Isak (LIV, £9.1m, 21.9%)

At £9.1m, Isak isn't a like-for-like replacement for Pedro and would require managers to already have some money in the bank or downgrade a player elsewhere to make the move happen.

But, given the Liverpool striker's start to the season, doing so could prove to be massively beneficial for managers willing to take the punt on Isak.

Across his first four matches this campaign, Isak has scored 25 with three goals, including a brace and 13 point haul against Ipswich Town in Gameweek Three.

However, Liverpool do face a tricky run of fixtures in their next five with BOU (A) in Gameweek Five ahead of MCI (H), BRE (A), BHA (H), ARS (H).

And with two Champions League matches, against LASK and Villareal, and a Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Chelsea in between those fixtures, it's likely that Isak's minutes could be reduced in the Premier League in the coming weeks.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (LEE, £6.0m, 23.4%)

Calvert-Lewin started the season as the best budget-friendly forward in FPL and, after four gameweeks, he has maintained that title.

It is therefore quite likely that plenty of FPL managers reading this already have the Leeds talisman in their squads, but if you don't, this is why you should do.

The former Everton striker has two goals, one assist and 20 points from the first four matches of the season and faces an appealing fixture against Palace, who have conceded four from strikers in the Premier League this season, next.

A tough away day to the Emirates to face Arsenal immediately after the international break isn't ideal, but at his price you don't need a haul every week for Calvert-Lewin to earn a spot in your FPL squad.

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Liam Delap (NFO, £5.5m, 1.7%)

By far the lowest-owned and therefore biggest upside player in this list is Nottingham Forest striker Delap, who now appears to have secured the starting spot up front in Oliver Glasner's side.

In his second start for Forest this season, and first 90 minute match, Delap scored against Aston Villa and appears to be growing in confidence ahead of an exciting run of fixtures.

Coventry at home awaits Delap in Gameweek Five, arguably the best fixture of the season right now, with CRY (A) and IPS (A) also in his next four matches.

While many FPL managers will be focusing on Delap's teammates in Morgan Gibbs-White, Daniel Munoz or Neco Williams, the Forest striker could be the perfect low-owned punt for the coming weeks.

Liam Delap may be the perfect Joao Pedro replacement in FPL. (Image: Getty)

Thierno Barry (EVE, £5.6m, 6.8%)

With IPS (H) and HUL (A) in his next two, Barry is another low-owned pick that stands out as a great punt to replace Pedro.

The Everton striker's only attacking return this season so far came in the season opener against Crystal Palace, but with tougher fixtures against Bournemouth, Man United and Spurs following, it's understandable that he is yet to score a second.

Therefore, now is the time to jump on Barry as he's entering into the perfect period to show his class and haul against two promoted sides.

However, managers buying Barry this week should do understanding that they'll likely want to sell, or at least bench, the Everton star after Gameweek Six as he faces CHE (H), ARS (A) and NEW (A).

Yoane Wissa (NEW, £6.2m, 18.2%)

Another player with an exciting run of fixtures in the immediate future is Newcastle's Wissa, with HUL (H) next ahead of COV (A) after the break.

Wissa was a popular pick for managers making transfers last week, ahead of LEE (A), but now Wissa really has a chance to show up and score some big points.

The DR Congo international has scored one goal and assisted another in his opening four fixtures, scoring managers a total of 15 points.

And, unlike others on this list, his medium-term fixtures look good with AVL (H), CRY (A) and EVE (H) following the clashes with Hull and Coventry.

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