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, but only one gets the nod.
Estevao remains on the bench, with Welbeck leading the line from Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Jordan Henderson.
There is no change 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, with Romeo Lavia coming in to partner him.
Pep Chavarria misses out again through injury, with Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong taking 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.
Starting Chelsea XI vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Fofana; Gusto, Lavia, Caicedo, Henderson; Rogers, Neto; Welbeck
Liverpool XI vs Chelsea: Starting lineup and confirmed team news
Revealed: How close Spurs came to signing Hazard and why move failed
Arsenal eye triple injury boost vs Liverpool as key men near returns
Art After Dark is back with an exciting calendar of cultural events
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Colwill, Suboloye, Palestra, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Estevao, Quenda, Emegha
Injured: Chavarria, Joao Pedro, James, Martinez, Gittens
Suspended: Palmer
Venue: Anfield
How to watch: ITV and Sky Sports
We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies.
Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare.
Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.