On Saturday night, injuries hampered Chelsea as Xabi Alonso’s men suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham. But ahead of the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool, Alonso has received a boost.

Joao Pedro suffered a knee injury in training before the clash against Spurs. His name was added to the list of missing players alongside key stars like Reece James, Emi Martinez and new signing Pep Chavarria.

No rest for the wicked, as Chelsea prepare to go to Anfield for the third time in Xabi Alonso’s career as manager. A place in fifth round is up for grabs, and ahead of the clash, Alonso has received a boost.

Emmanuel Emegha provides Alonso with some Joao Pedro relief

Recently, Alonso explained how Emegha would still be out for “weeks”. The Dutch forward has endured some difficulty with injury since his £23m move from Strasbourg, and is yet to make his Blues debut.

Emegha played in the two behind-closed-doors friendlies before the pre-season trip to Australia and Asia, but missed out on the trip due to injury in those matches. He has not been seen in a Chelsea shirt since.

Whether he is ready to go on Wednesday night is another question, and the chances are Alonso will start with Danny Welbeck at Anfield. However, Alonso is known for a starting XI surprise, like Geovany Quenda.

What Xabi Alonso has said about Emmanuel Emegha

It’s been a difficult spell for Emegha in his career since Chelsea confirmed they would be signing Emegha. His last few months at Strasbourg were riddled with injury, and he has been prevented from a debut.

Alonso has tried to hype up the feeling around Emegha, with fans unsure: “When he’s fit, he’s very special because he’s 1.95 metres tall; he’s quick, he attacks the space, he’s a threat, so he needs to be fully fit.

“He’s had little things; unfortunately he’s not been available. But we are looking forward to when he feels good and can help the team, but it’s going to be difficult for the defenders when he’s in good shape.”

Alonso had Malo Gusto back on the weekend and will hope to have Chavarria fit again. It is unclear how long Pedro will be missing for, but James, Martinez, and Jamie Gittens will definitely be missing.