Xabi Alonso has delivered a damning update on Chelsea striker Joao Pedro in his press conference on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of his side’s trip to Liverpool on Wednesday night.

While it was a dismal performance on Saturday and Alonso got his tactics completely wrong, Chelsea were without some key players against Spurs. Emi Martinez, Reece James and Joao Pedro were all absent.

Pep Chavarria, Malo Gusto, Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha have all recently suffered injuries, but Gusto was back in the squad on Saturday. This week, Emegha has posted pictures of himself in training.

Xabi Alonso delivers injury update as Chelsea face Liverpool

Now, Alonso has to put things right. Chelsea fans are nervous after the loss to Spurs, with any confidence thrown down the drain given the manner of the defeat. On Tuesday, Alonso held a press conference.

The Chelsea manager confirmed that Pedro has a thigh injury, and the Brazil international will be missing for a few weeks. The Spaniard was unwilling to make a prediction regarding how long he will be out for.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 04: Estevao of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on October 04, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

“We will miss him, but we have to deal with that. We have to be competitive with the players we have available.” He then confirmed Emegha will be available to play and is in the squad for Liverpool.

“Emegha is in the squad. It’s important he is available. He has special qualities and he needs to feel fully fit. We want to see him, and maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play,” Alonso confirmed today.

How will Chelsea line up against Liverpool tomorrow night?

The hope is that Alonso has learned from the mistakes he made against Luton and Leeds. Yes, changes are acceptable, but not wholesale ones. In fact, without Europe, fans will be hoping for full strength.

The Carabao Cup and the FA Cup are Chelsea’s only chances of silverware this season, and Alonso has to be going full pelt to win the trophy. There will be one change without doubt, with Cole Palmer missing.

Palmer is suspended after his red card against Tottenham. It would be a shock if Danny Welbeck didn’t start the game after Alonso’s mistake on Saturday, but Mike Penders is likely to retain his starting spot.

Wesley Fofana could be given game time having been benched in the last two league games. Romeo Lavia could also come in, and it will be interesting to see if Estevao is given another start in the Cup.