Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Joao Pedro will be unavailable for several weeks after sustaining a thigh injury, while striker Emmanuel Emegha is in contention to make his debut in Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Carabao Cup encounter against Liverpool.

Pedro picked up the injury during training ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian had enjoyed an impressive start to the season, recording five goals and three assists in seven appearances.

Further medical examinations have since established that the forward requires time away from action, leaving Chelsea without one of their key attacking players for the upcoming fixtures.

Chelsea team news

Speaking ahead of the fourth-round cup tie at Anfield, Alonso confirmed the extent of the setback.

‘He has an injury in his thigh and he’s going to be out for a few weeks. Let’s see how many; we don’t want to predict that. But he will not be ready for the next games.

‘He is a key player and we will miss him, but we have to be ready to deal with the injury, be competitive and try to win games with the players we have available, starting tomorrow against Liverpool, a cup game.

‘This is the situation and we are ready to fight for it and prove we can show a good level.’

Despite Pedro’s absence, Chelsea have received a boost with Emegha returning to consideration for selection after recovering from a hamstring problem.

The 23-year-old joined the Blues from Strasbourg during the summer but is yet to make his first competitive appearance for the London club. He has spent the past two weeks working on his fitness at Cobham as he prepares to return to action.

Alonso confirmed that the Netherlands international could feature against Liverpool, alongside Estevao and Danny Welbeck.

‘He is in the squad,’ the Chelsea manager stated.

Penders expected to start

The Blues will also continue to rely on goalkeeper Mike Penders, who is expected to start against Liverpool after making his Premier League debut against Tottenham on Saturday.

Penders endured a difficult introduction to top-flight football, conceding an own goal during Chelsea’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge. However, Alonso has backed the young Belgian to recover from the disappointment and develop through the experience.

The manager stressed that making errors is part of a professional footballer’s journey, particularly when adapting to the demands of elite competition.

‘It’s a challenge to deal with good performances and mistakes, but that is part of the job, being a professional footballer playing at the highest level,’ Alonso said.

‘What happened on Saturday is in the past; it’s a lesson for him and everyone. We fully support him tomorrow.’

Chelsea head to Anfield seeking progress in the Carabao Cup, with Alonso expected to manage his available options carefully following Pedro’s injury and Penders’ difficult debut.

The potential return of Emegha offers the manager another attacking option as the Blues prepare for a demanding encounter against Liverpool.