Chelsea’s Carabao Cup trip to Liverpool this Wednesday night arrives at a difficult point for Xabi Alonso. Back-to-back wins after the international break had lifted the mood, but Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham exposed fresh problems.
João Pedro’s absence against Spurs proved costly. Alonso confirmed that the Brazilian picked up an injury in training at Cobham, with fluid around the affected area delaying scans. After Sunday’s assessment, his availability for Anfield remains unclear. The forward has already struggled with knee trouble this season and missed the Brentford defeat before consulting a specialist during the international break.
Emi Martinez is recovering from surgery on a fractured jaw after an accidental clash of heads against Everton, with Alonso estimating a return in a few weeks. Reece James underwent minor surgery on a knee problem and is expected to miss around three months, while Jamie Gittens continues his recovery from an ankle injury. Pep Chavarria has returned to partial team training, and Emmanuel Emegha is improving after a hamstring setback, though neither has a confirmed return date.
Cole Palmer’s late dismissal against Tottenham adds to Alonso’s selection problems, further limiting his options. Chelsea must now find a workable plan for Anfield.
Can Alonso find a workable solution without João Pedro?
Morgan Rogers led the line against Tottenham, but his tendency to drift deeper left Chelsea short of a consistent presence in the penalty box. Geovany Quenda offered energy, yet he is still developing and does not provide the same central reference point. Danny Welbeck could bring experience if Alonso trusts him to start, while Emegha remains an option only if he proves fit.
Alonso’s approach relies on a forward who can link play, press centre-backs and occupy defenders while the wide attackers move inside. Without that profile, Rogers can crowd the same spaces as Chelsea’s creators, leaving the box empty and making attacks easier to defend.
Alonso must choose between Welbeck and Rogers in a makeshift role while protecting players returning from injury. Against Liverpool, Chelsea need to preserve their attacking structure despite João Pedro’s absence, especially with Manchester United visiting on Saturday.
