Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Joao Pedro will miss the team's Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool at Anfield after suffering a thigh injury

Xabi Alonso has delivered an injury update ahead of Liverpool's Carabao Cup fourth-round encounter with Chelsea.

The Blues will be without a few big names when they face Andoni Iraola's side at Anfield on Wednesday as they look to return to winning ways. Cole Palmer is among those absent after he received a red card during Chelsea's shock 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham at the weekend, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering from a broken jaw.

Addressing the media at Cobham training ground on Tuesday, Alonso began by revealing that Joao Pedro has sustained a thigh problem. The forward was omitted from the matchday squad to face Tottenham.

Alonso said: "He has an injury of his thigh and is going to be out for a few weeks.

"Let's see how many. He's not ready for the next games.

"Of course, he's a key player. We'll miss him. We have to be ready to deal with the injury, starting tomorrow with Liverpool."

When questioned about whether he can cope without the striker, the Spaniard responded: "Yeah, for sure. This is why you build a squad. For sure, some players are important, but this can happen."

Alonso subsequently confirmed that Emmanuel Emegha will be in contention for selection. The young striker is still waiting to make his Chelsea debut after arriving during the summer.

When asked about Emegha, Alonso said: "For sure, it's important we have him available. He's been training for the last 10 days in a good way to allow him to build up his fitness. Maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play."

Palmer was sent off during the closing stages of Saturday's loss to Spurs, picking up two yellow cards to result in a one-match ban.

Alonso was also asked about Palmer's dismissal. He said: "We spoke. He knows the mistake he made. It's things he can avoid.

"Let's hope it's not going to be repeated. He's mature. It was a mistake."

Chelsea and Liverpool aren't the only big teams fighting for a spot in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. There are 11 other Premier League sides still in the hat, including Arsenal and Manchester City.

The Gunners will take on League 2 club Fleetwood Town, the lowest-ranked side still left in the competition.