According to a report by Metro on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Chelsea have been dealt a significant injury blow after Joao Pedro was ruled out for several weeks with a thigh injury, leaving manager Xabi Alonso without a key attacking option ahead of two challenging fixtures.

The Brazilian forward was a surprise absentee during Chelsea’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday. His absence weakened the team’s attacking options as the Blues struggled to find a way back into the game against their London rivals.

Alonso has confirmed that Pedro will miss Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool and Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea are still waiting to determine the full length of his absence.

Speaking at his press conference on Tuesday, the Chelsea manager said: "He has an injury of his thigh and is going to be out for a few weeks. Let’s see how many. He’s not ready for the next games. He’s a key player. We’ll miss him. We have to be ready to deal with the injury, starting tomorrow with Liverpool."

Pedro has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in seven appearances. His injury is therefore a major concern for Alonso as Chelsea prepare for two important matches within four days.

The 24-year-old has been leading the attack ahead of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, but Alonso must now identify an alternative who can provide the goals and movement needed to keep the team competitive while the Brazilian recovers.

Chelsea will travel to Anfield on Wednesday as they seek to secure a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals before hosting Manchester United at the weekend. With Pedro unavailable for both games, Alonso will rely on other members of his squad to step up and help the Blues return to winning ways following their defeat to Tottenham.