Chelsea are facing a selection challenge as they prepare for a demanding period of fixtures, with Joao Pedro’s continued absence limiting their attacking options. According to a report published by the London Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the forward’s injury represents a significant setback for manager Xabi Alonso as the club balances its commitments across multiple competitions.

Pedro also missed Chelsea’s weekend encounter with Tottenham Hotspur, and his recovery is expected to take several weeks. Alonso has confirmed that the striker will require additional time to regain fitness, although the club has not provided a definitive date for his return.

During the defeat to Tottenham, Alonso opted to use Morgan Rogers as the central striker. However, the experiment failed to deliver the intended results, and Rogers is now expected to move back into his preferred attacking midfield position. That adjustment could allow Chelsea to adopt a different approach in the forward line for their next fixture.

Danny Welbeck and Estevao are available after travelling with the squad, giving Alonso additional choices in attack. Both players could be considered for starting roles as Chelsea seek to progress to the next stage of the competition.

There is also expected to be continuity in goal, with Mike Penders tipped to retain his place despite making an expensive mistake against Tottenham. Alonso has continued to demonstrate confidence in the young goalkeeper, while Emi Martinez remains unavailable because of injury.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo is expected to continue operating as Chelsea’s principal defensive midfielder. Romeo Lavia could come into the starting lineup in place of Jordan Henderson, who may be rested after completing the full 90 minutes in each of the team’s previous three matches.

Chelsea also have concerns over Pep Chavarria’s fitness. If the player is unable to feature, Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra could occupy the wing-back positions, providing options on both sides of the pitch. Wesley Fofana is also expected to return to the starting eleven as Alonso considers changes to his defensive setup.

Emmanuel Emegha has travelled with the squad but is not expected to start, potentially delaying his first appearance for Chelsea. Reece James remains sidelined following knee surgery, while Jamie Gittens is approaching a return to action. Cole Palmer will also be unavailable because of suspension.

With Saturday’s Premier League meeting against Manchester United approaching, Alonso must carefully manage his squad while keeping Chelsea competitive in the cup. The number of unavailable players could influence his selection, although he is expected to name a strong team for the upcoming match against Liverpool.

Chelsea’s predicted starting lineup is Penders in goal, with Acheampong, Colwill and Fofana forming a back three. Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo and Palestra are expected to operate across midfield, while Rogers and Estevao could support Welbeck in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Chavarria remains doubtful, while Pedro, James, Martinez and Gittens are listed as injured. Palmer is suspended and will not be available for selection.