Xabi Alonso press conference ahead of Liverpool vs Chelsea
The Blues were forced to face Tottenham at the weekend without their star striker, and will do so again in each of the next few matches.
“He [Joao Pedro] has an injury of his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks,” Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso said on Tuesday. “Let’s see how many. We don’t want to predict on that, but he is not ready for the next games.”
Alonso experimented against Tottenham with Morgan Rogers deployed up front, but that did not work. He is expected to name a strong side as he chases a much-needed win at former home Anfield this evening.
Alonso confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Danny Welbeck and Estevao would be in the squad to meet Liverpool, and both can expect to start against the injury-hit Reds. Rogers will slot back into one of the twin No10 positions.
Elsewhere, there will be changes as Chelsea keep one eye on the Saturday lunchtime visit of struggling Manchester United to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
There will not be a change, however, in goal. Alonso has thrown his support behind Mike Penders in spite of the awful error he made against Spurs, and, with usual No1 Emi Martinez still out with a broken jaw, he will keep his place.
Moises Caicedo will start again in midfield, but Romeo Lavia will likely come in for Jordan Henderson, with the veteran due a rest after playing 90 minutes in each of Chelsea’s last three matches.
It is not absolutely clear whether Pep Chavarria is fit to feature here, meaning Malo Gusto and Marco Palestra should take up space on the flanks. Wesley Fofana can come in to freshen up the back three.
Cole Palmer serves a one-match suspension after his sending off for two bookable offences in the late collapse against Tottenham.
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Alonso also confirmed that summer signing Emmanuel Emegha will be in the squad, but he is not expected to start as his wait for a Chelsea debut drags on.
Captain Reece James remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery. Jamie Gittens is closing in on a return from an ankle injury, but tonight’s game will come too soon.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Liverpool (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana; Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo, Palestra; Rogers, Estevao; Welbeck
Doubt: Chavarria
Injured: Joao Pedro, James, Martinez, Gittens
Suspended: Palmer
Venue: Anfield
How to watch: ITV and Sky Sports
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