According to a report by London Evening Standard on Wednesday October 28, 2026, Chelsea will be without Joao Pedro when they face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Anfield on Wednesday night, with Xabi Alonso expected to make several changes to his starting lineup.

The Brazilian striker is set to miss the next few weeks after suffering a thigh injury, leaving the Blues without a key attacking option for the important encounter.

Alonso confirmed the extent of Pedro’s injury ahead of the match. The Chelsea manager admitted that the forward would be unavailable for several weeks, although the club was yet to determine the exact duration of his absence.

Pedro also missed Chelsea’s weekend encounter against Tottenham, and his continued absence presents another challenge for Alonso. The manager experimented with Morgan Rogers in the central attacking role against Spurs, but the decision failed to produce the desired results.

Rogers is expected to return to his usual position behind the striker against Liverpool. Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck and Estevao are available for selection, with both players expected to feature in the starting lineup.

Mike Penders is likely to retain his place in goal despite his costly mistake against Tottenham. First-choice goalkeeper Emi Martinez remains sidelined with a broken jaw, while Alonso has continued to back Penders following his recent error.

Moises Caicedo should feature in midfield again, but Romeo Lavia could replace Jordan Henderson. The experienced midfielder has played the full 90 minutes in each of Chelsea’s previous three matches and could be rested ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United.

Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra are expected to occupy the wing-back positions, while Wesley Fofana could return to the back three. Pep Chavarria remains a doubt because of uncertainty surrounding his fitness.

Chelsea captain Reece James is still recovering from knee surgery, while Jamie Gittens is not expected to return from his ankle injury in time for the match. Cole Palmer is also unavailable after receiving a one-match suspension following his dismissal against Tottenham.

Summer signing Emmanuel Emegha has been included in the squad but is unlikely to start as he continues waiting for his Chelsea debut.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana; Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo, Palestra; Rogers, Estevao; Welbeck.