Chelsea are set to face Liverpool without Joao Pedro when the two sides meet in the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Wednesday. The Brazilian forward has suffered a thigh injury that is expected to keep him out for several weeks, according to the London Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Pedro missed Chelsea's recent encounter with Tottenham and is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines. Head coach Xabi Alonso confirmed the striker's injury setback, explaining that although he would be unavailable for several weeks, the precise duration of his absence remained uncertain.

Morgan Rogers was deployed as Chelsea's main attacking threat against Tottenham in an attempt to compensate for Pedro's absence. However, the tactical adjustment proved unsuccessful, and Rogers is expected to return to his regular role as an attacking midfielder against Liverpool.

Danny Welbeck and Estevao have both recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection. Alonso has confirmed that the pair are part of the squad, and either could be handed a starting opportunity in Wednesday's encounter.

Despite his costly error against Tottenham, Mike Penders is likely to remain Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper for the match. Alonso continues to trust the young goalkeeper, while Emi Martinez is still recovering from his injury.

Caicedo is expected to anchor the midfield, with Lavia potentially coming into the side in place of Henderson. The veteran midfielder could be given a rest after playing the entire match in each of Chelsea's previous three outings.

Chavarria's uncertain fitness could force Alonso to rely on Gusto and Palestra in the wing-back positions. Fofana is also tipped to start after being left out of the starting line-up in Chelsea's previous match.

Although Emegha has been named in the travelling squad, the forward is unlikely to feature from the beginning and may have to wait longer for his Chelsea debut. Meanwhile, James continues his recovery from knee surgery, while Gittens is nearing a return to full fitness.

With Manchester United awaiting Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, Alonso will need to balance squad rotation with the need to secure a positive result at Anfield. Despite the demanding schedule, the Chelsea manager is expected to field an aggressive line-up against Liverpool.

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana; Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo, Palestra; Rogers, Estevao; Welbeck.

Doubtful: Pep Chavarria.

Injured: Joao Pedro, Reece James, Emi Martinez and Jamie Gittens.

Suspended: Cole Palmer.