Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that the Blues could be without Joao Pedro for a “few weeks” due to a thigh injury.

The Brazilian was a surprise absentee for the defeat to Tottenham at the weekend, having picked up the problem in the build-up to the London derby. Asked for an update on Pedro’s fitness in his pre-match conference before the Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool, Alonso said:

“He has an injury on his thigh. He’s going to be a few weeks out. Let’s see how many. We don’t want to predict on that, but not ready for the next few games.”

“He’s a key player. We will miss him. But we have to be ready to deal with the injury and be competitive and win games with the players we have available, starting tomorrow. This is the situation. We’re ready to fight for it and show a good level.”

Expected Return Date – Saturday 21st November vs Leeds (h)

Pep Chavarria

Speaking ahead of the Spurs fixture, Alonso said that the left-back would not be ready to play in the derby, but he has been training “a little bit”.

That suggests Chavarria is not far away from making his comeback, so he could make the matchday squad for the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool or the league game versus Manchester United this weekend.

Expected Return Date – Late October

Emi Martinez

Alonso says he doesn’t believe that the 34-year-old will be out for an extended period after undergoing surgery on a fractured jaw.

Martinez was expected to be sidelined for between 6 and 8 weeks, but there’s optimism he could be available before the international break.

Jamie Gittens

Speaking in mid-October, Alonso said that Gittens could be back in contention within a “few weeks”. That means he may feature again before the international break.

Expected Return Date – Sunday 8th November vs Sunderland (a)

Emmanuel Emegha

The striker has had several setbacks due to muscular injuries. He was expected to return to training last week.

However, speaking before the Tottenham game, Alonso said that Emegha would still “need to wait” before making his debut for the Blues.

Expected Return Date – Unknown

Reece James

The captain has undergone surgery on a knee injury, which will keep him on the sidelines for the best part of three months.

James is unlikely to be available for selection before the New Year.