According to a report from the London Evening Standard on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Chelsea will be missing Brazilian forward Joao Pedro for their Carabao Cup match against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday due to a thigh injury that is likely to keep him out for several weeks.

Pedro's injury is a major blow for Chelsea as they gear up for a tough series of domestic matches. He is also expected to miss this weekend's Premier League clash with Tottenham, which prompts manager Xabi Alonso to explore different attacking strategies to maintain the team's performance.

Alonso had previously tried Morgan Rogers in a more advanced role against Tottenham, but that tactical move did not yield positive results. Rogers is expected to revert to his usual attacking midfield position, while both Danny Welbeck and Estevao are available and could start against Liverpool.

Despite a costly error in the last match against Tottenham, Mike Penders is anticipated to remain in goal, with Alonso continuing to back the young goalkeeper. Emi Martinez will be unavailable due to an injury.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo is likely to keep his spot, while Romeo Lavia is expected to take the place of Jordan Henderson, who has played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea's last three games, making rotation a necessary option as Alonso seeks to manage player fatigue.

There are also concerns about the wing-back positions due to Pep Chavarria's fitness. If Chavarria cannot recover in time, Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra may be called upon. Wesley Fofana is expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested during the last match.

Emmanuel Emegha has been named in the squad but is unlikely to make his first appearance for Chelsea against Liverpool. Reece James is still sidelined following knee surgery, while Jamie Gittens is reportedly getting closer to returning.

The upcoming Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday may also factor into Alonso's decisions. Nonetheless, he is expected to field an attacking lineup for the clash at Anfield despite the quick turnaround between games.

Chelsea's anticipated 3-4-2-1 formation features Penders in goal, with Acheampong, Colwill, and Fofana in defense. Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo, and Palestra are likely to fill the midfield, while Rogers and Estevao support Welbeck up front.

Injuries will keep Pedro, James, and Martinez out of action, while Gittens is also unavailable. Chavarria is doubtful, and Cole Palmer will miss the match due to suspension.