Chelsea go to Anfield without their striker. Xabi Alonso has confirmed that João Pedro has a thigh injury and will be out for a few weeks, which rules him out of the Carabao Cup last-16 tie at Liverpool and a good run of games after it. The timing is poor for a team that has just lost 2-0 to Tottenham.
Alonso's update on the injury
Pedro was a surprise absentee from the squad that faced Spurs at the weekend. The problem appeared in Friday's training session, and the teamsheets gave the first public hint that something was wrong. Alonso had hoped it might be minor. Medical assessments since then point to a longer layoff.
"He has an injury of his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks," Alonso told the media ahead of the trip to Merseyside. "Let's see how many. We don't want to predict on that, but he is not ready for the next games." The Chelsea head coach also admitted the news is disappointing but said the squad has to carry on.
Chelsea have struggled without him
The numbers make uncomfortable reading. Chelsea have lost both games Pedro has missed this season, against Brentford and now Tottenham. Against Spurs, Morgan Rogers was asked to play through the middle in his absence, and he struggled to influence the game, drifting out of it for long spells.
Alonso was not drawn into blaming one man's absence. "This is why you build a squad," he said. "For sure, some players are important but this can happen." It is a sensible line, but Chelsea's attack looked short of ideas on Saturday and the schedule is only getting busier.
Who comes back for Liverpool
There is some good news for Alonso. Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck and Estevao will all travel to Anfield as part of the squad. Welbeck brings experience to a high-pressure cup night, while Emegha and Estevao offer pace and energy that could unsettle the home defence.
It means Alonso will have options, if not the one he trusts most. The Carabao Cup gives him a chance to find a front line that works without Pedro before the league fixtures pile up. Whether Welbeck or Emegha leads it at Anfield is the question to watch when the teams are named.
Injury context: João Pedro (thigh injury) is out for several weeks, with no return date given. Chelsea play Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup last 16. Emegha, Welbeck and Estevao are in the travelling party. Source: Goal.
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