Cole Palmer will miss out on Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Liverpool at Anfield. However, he will be available for Manchester United’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Palmer received his first yellow card for running into Mateus Fernandes in the 2-0 Premier League loss against Tottenham. He then picked up a second yellow for fouling Conor Gallagher and was sent off in the 80th minute.
It was his first red card in senior football and the first time Chelsea have had someone sent off this season. Alonso said after the game that he would chat with Palmer, as it was a learning moment. The red card was also the 100th in Premier League history for Chelsea (excluding overturned cards). They are only the third team to do so after Everton (113) and Arsenal (110).
Palmer will receive a one-match suspension after receiving two cautions in one game. A red-card suspension received in the Premier League applies to all domestic competitions. This means Palmer will miss the Liverpool game but will be available to play in the league against Manchester United, provided the ban isn’t extended.
It is a big loss for Alonso, as they will also miss striker João Pedro. Morgan Rogers looks like the obvious choice to fill the number 10 role. Estêvão is also a good option, as he came on for Geovany Quenda in the 72nd minute. Pedro Neto can also play through the middle. But fans will be hoping to see more of Danny Welbeck.
João Pedro Injury Leaves Xabi Alonso Scrambling Ahead of Anfield
Chelsea are still waiting to find out how serious João Pedro’s knee injury is. The Brazilian felt it in training on Friday and was a shock omission from the squad. Alonso confirmed after the game that there was some fluid around the injury, so they have not been able to fully diagnose it.
The 25-year-old was due to have tests on Sunday. He will miss the game against Liverpool and is a doubt for Manchester United. Pedro has been their standout player this season with 5 goals and 3 assists in 6 games. Danny Welbeck is expected to lead the line, having only come on in the 88th minute against Spurs. Emmanuel Emegha is still out.