XABI ALONSO will be cheering if Chelsea finds the net at Anfield tonight – but they’ll have to do it in the absence of Joao Pedro.

Liverpool icon Alonso is celebrated for his contributions during their remarkable victory in the 2005 Champions League final, along with several stellar seasons as a midfielder for the Reds. However, he will face his former club tomorrow for the first time as the manager of Chelsea.

With his team in excellent form until facing Spurs last weekend, he now must strategize without Joao Pedro, who is out due to a knee injury. This has led many to question whether Alonso will hold back on his celebrations against his old side.

But he remains firm, stating: “Of course, I will celebrate, without a doubt.”

“I have great respect for Liverpool because of my time there as a player, but now I’m in a different capacity. I must support my team and club – I fight for my club, and if we score, I will celebrate with utmost respect.

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“That demonstrates my respect for my club and for the opponent.”

One would expect such respect to be reciprocal, and that Alonso’s new managerial role wouldn’t lessen it. He received a warm welcome when he returned to Anfield with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.

That friendly reception was likely aided by Liverpool’s 4-0 triumph, featuring a hat-trick from Luis Diaz and a header from Cody Gakpo.

Alonso isn’t alone in seeking a warm reception; former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is also anticipating one.

While they both hope for a nice reception, Alonso acknowledges that this visit to Anfield is unlike any of his previous ones.

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He commented: “[This is] different. A different game, a different competition, a different club. Many players have played at Anfield numerous times.

“They know what to expect from us. It’s a cup match, which can lead to special moments, so some aspects are unique in this type of game, hence I’m uncertain of what to anticipate.

“For Jordan [Henderson]? Yes, I believe it will be a wonderful atmosphere, and for me as well.”

“It’s a game after all; when the whistle blows, respect prevails, and the connection remains.”

For Chelsea, finding the back of the net may prove challenging without Pedro due to injury, alongside Cole Palmer’s suspension.

The returning Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck might share responsibilities at the front, while fans are eager to see Estevao get valuable playing time this season in a reconfigured front line.

In more unfortunate news for the Blues, Alonso confirmed that Pedro is expected to be sidelined until after the international break in November due to a thigh injury.

He stated: “Joao is dealing with a thigh injury and will be out for a few weeks.

“We’re keen to avoid making predictions. He’s not ready for the next few matches.”

“Emegha, Welbeck, and Estevao are included in the squad. Emegha possesses unique qualities – he just needs to feel fully fit.

“He has been training for the past 10 days, which should help him build a solid fitness foundation.

“Now, we aim to gradually increase his playtime, and perhaps he’ll get the chance to contribute tomorrow.”