Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed that João Pedro faces several weeks on the sidelines, ruling the Brazilian striker out of Wednesday's Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Liverpool.
The 25-year-old missed Saturday's 2–0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham after suffering an injury during training at Cobham.
Pedro has scored five goals this season, making his absence a significant setback as Chelsea prepare for two important fixtures in four days.
Alonso provides João Pedro injury update
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's trip to Anfield, Alonso confirmed that the striker would not be available in the immediate future.
"He has an injury on his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks," the Chelsea manager said.
The update follows uncertainty over Pedro's condition after the Tottenham defeat, when Alonso explained that swelling had delayed a full assessment.
Chelsea have not provided an exact return date, but the expected absence means Pedro will also miss Saturday's Premier League meeting with Manchester United.
His injury leaves Alonso needing to adjust his attack after Chelsea failed to score against Tottenham.
Emmanuel Emegha could make Chelsea debut
Pedro's absence could provide an opportunity for summer signing Emmanuel Emegha.
The former Strasbourg striker has yet to make his competitive Chelsea debut after struggling with a hamstring injury and suffering a setback during his recovery.
However, Alonso says the Dutch forward has returned to training and is set to be included in the squad against Liverpool.
"Maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play," Alonso revealed.
Emegha's availability would give Chelsea another recognised centre-forward option, although his lack of competitive minutes makes a starting role uncertain.
Danny Welbeck could also lead the attack, while Morgan Rogers and Geovany Quenda offer Alonso alternative attacking combinations.
Chelsea face further absences against Liverpool
Chelsea will also be without Cole Palmer, who received two yellow cards during Saturday's defeat to Tottenham.
The England international must serve a one-match suspension against Liverpool but will be eligible to return against Manchester United.
Captain Reece James remains sidelined following knee surgery, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is recovering from a fractured jaw.
Jamie Gittens is another absentee as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
The injury problems leave Alonso facing difficult selection decisions as Chelsea attempt to respond to their London derby defeat.
Key Points
- João Pedro is expected to miss several weeks with an injury.
- The Brazilian is Chelsea's leading scorer with five goals this season.
- Emmanuel Emegha could make his competitive debut against Liverpool.
- Cole Palmer is suspended but can return against Manchester United.
- Reece James, Emiliano Martínez and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined.
What's Next?
Chelsea face Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, 28 October, with kick-off at 8pm GMT.
Alonso's side then host Manchester United on Saturday, when Palmer will be available again.
Emegha's potential involvement against Liverpool could provide an early indication of how Chelsea intend to cope without Pedro.
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