Joao Pedro to play a crucial role at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso or Andoni Iraola
Credit: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth/Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola have been speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon and the Chelsea and Liverpool managers have both given injury updates ahead of Wednesday night’s clash.
Alonso delivered a huge blow in his press conference. Chelsea will already miss Cole Palmer after the England star picked up a red card against Tottenham. The playmaker will be suspended on Wednesday.
Alonso reported that Joao Pedro will be out for a few weeks with a thigh injury. Pedro joins Emi Martinez, Jamie Gittens and Reece James on the sidelines, though Alonso did not give a definitive timescale.
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There was a world where Iraola could have joined Chelsea in the summer, and Alonso could have replaced Arne Slot. But the two will now meet on the touchline at Anfield in charge of their respective clubs.
On Tuesday, Iraola confirmed that Florian Wirtz – a player who has been linked with Chelsea after starring under Alonso at Leverkusen – should be fit for Wednesday. He remains a doubt, but two are missing.
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Iraola suggested Dominik Szoboszlai, arguably Liverpool’s best player, is unlikely to play. Summer signing Victor Munoz will also miss out: “I don’t think I can help you a lot. We still have to wait, we train later.
“We want to [use] this last day. He was quite fine, Florian – I’m quite optimistic that he will be available. With Dom and Victor, I’m not so sure. I don’t want to say no, but it will be more difficult than Florian, yes.”
The 10 players definitely missing, and the three doubts
Chelsea then, will be without five players on Wednesday night. James, Martinez, Pedro, Gittens and Palmer will fail to make Alonso’s squad. Then, there are two doubts regarding Chelsea’s squad tomorrow night.
Alonso confirmed Emmanuel Emegha is fit again and will be in the squad to face Liverpool, but the striker has spent a long time on the sidelines and the chances are, he will start from the substitutes’ bench.
Alonso was also asked about left-back Pep Chavarria, but did not give an update. Chavarria was missing from the win over Everton and the loss to Spurs. Over at Liverpool, six players will definitely miss out.
Given Iraola has confirmed Szoboszlai and Munoz will be missing, joining Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, and Conor Bradley on the sidelines. The only doubt at Liverpool is Wirtz’s availability.