According to a report by the London Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Chelsea will be without Brazilian striker Joao Pedro for their Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday after he suffered a thigh injury that is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks.

Pedro’s absence is a setback for Chelsea as they prepare for a demanding period of fixtures across different competitions. The forward is also expected to miss the club’s Premier League match against Tottenham this weekend, leaving manager Xabi Alonso with the task of finding suitable alternatives in attack.

Alonso previously tried Morgan Rogers in a more advanced attacking role against Tottenham, but the experiment did not produce the expected result. Rogers is now expected to return to his usual position as an attacking midfielder, while Danny Welbeck and Estevao are available for selection. Both players could feature from the start as Chelsea look to maintain their attacking threat without Pedro.

In goal, Mike Penders is expected to retain his place despite making a costly mistake against Tottenham. Alonso has continued to back the young goalkeeper, while Emi Martinez remains unavailable because of injury.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo is expected to start, with Romeo Lavia likely to replace Jordan Henderson. Henderson played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s last three matches and could be rested as Alonso manages the workload of his squad.

There are also uncertainties in the wing-back positions because of Pep Chavarria’s fitness. Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra are expected to feature if Chavarria is unavailable. Wesley Fofana could also return to the starting lineup after being rested in the previous match.

Emmanuel Emegha has been included in the squad but is unlikely to start against Liverpool, meaning his first appearance for Chelsea could be delayed again. Reece James remains sidelined following knee surgery, while Jamie Gittens is reportedly close to returning to action.

Chelsea must also consider their Premier League meeting with Manchester United on Saturday. The short gap between the two fixtures could influence Alonso’s selection, although he is still expected to field an attacking side against Liverpool.

Chelsea’s predicted starting lineup is Penders in goal, with Acheampong, Colwill and Fofana in defence. Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo and Palestra are expected to form the midfield, while Rogers and Estevao could play behind Welbeck as the main striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Pedro, James and Martinez are listed as injured, while Gittens is also unavailable at present. Chavarria remains doubtful, and Cole Palmer is suspended.