Chelsea’s forward Joao Pedro has been ruled out of their upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool due to a thigh injury, with head coach Xabi Alonso confirming the player will be sidelined for “a few weeks.” The injury comes as a setback for the Blues ahead of the fourth-round tie at Anfield.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who joined Chelsea in 2023, has been a regular in the squad this season. His absence will be felt in the attack, particularly as Chelsea look to secure a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Alonso, who previously managed Liverpool, has faced criticism from fans for his tactical approach, with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher recently pointing out that several Chelsea players, including centre-back Maxence Lacroix, appear uncomfortable with his methods.
The match, scheduled for Wednesday, will see Chelsea face off against their former manager, now leading Liverpool. Alonso’s return to Anfield has sparked mixed reactions from supporters, with some expressing disappointment that he did not take over from Arne Slot. However, the focus remains on the team’s performance, with the injury to Joao Pedro adding to the challenges ahead.
This is not the first setback for Chelsea in the run-up to the competition. Earlier in the week, it was revealed that the club is still awaiting a decision on the future of winger Alvarez, as the January transfer window approaches. The situation adds pressure on Alonso to deliver results, both in terms of match outcomes and player development.
The Carabao Cup quarter-final draw is set for later this month, with top Premier League teams including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool also in the mix. For Chelsea, the focus remains on navigating the challenges of the current campaign, with the health of key players playing a crucial role in their prospects.
