(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Joao Pedro will be ‘out for [a] few weeks’ with a thigh injury.
As a result, he will definitely be unavailable for Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Joao Pedro ruled out of United clash
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Joao Pedro of Chelsea during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on September 06, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
It’s safe to say that it’s a seismic blow for Alonso, as Pedro is Chelsea’s top goalscorer this season with five to his name in the six Premier League appearances he’s made, as well as three assists.
Joao Pedro is off to a flyer this season 🇧🇷 👏 pic.twitter.com/0YqAx5gJZn — Premier League (@premierleague) October 11, 2026
He missed out against both Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur already this campaign, both of which were losses.
The Blues’ defeat to Spurs came as a shock, especially considering it was on their home soil.
Yet, United will be rocking up to the stadium on an eight-game winless streak across all competitions, so Alonso is likely to be feeling confident irrespective of Pedro’s absence.
ALONSO: “JOAO PEDRO? A FEW WEEKS OUT!” 🤕 Liverpool v Chelsea 🏆 Carabao Cup pic.twitter.com/8uglqht6UD — BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) October 27, 2026
United’s injuries before Chelsea trip
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
With it now confirmed that Michael Carrick will be staying in charge for the fixture, he will be planning how his side might shape up in London.
Injury-wise, he will be without Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte while they recover from long-term setbacks, and Benjamin Sesko has also been unavailable since before the September international break.
It remains to be seen if Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw will be back with the squad, though Carrick did suggest the latter would need ‘a little bit longer’ to recover, so after the November break may be more suitable.
After taking on Chelsea, United return to Champions League action with a home tie against AS Roma on Tuesday, November 3, before also hosting Aston Villa at Old Trafford on November 8.
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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe with Director of Football Jason Wilcox
MILAN, ITALY - OCTOBER 18: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on October 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
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