Xabi Alonso provides Joao Pedro injury update before Liverpool vs Chelsea

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro will miss several weeks with a thigh injury sustained in training, forcing Alonso to adapt his attacking options.

Xabi Alonso confirmed that Chelsea forward Joao Pedro will be sidelined for "a few weeks" due to a thigh injury. The Brazilian felt something during training and has "a lot of fluid" in his thigh, with further assessments underway to determine the full extent of the injury. Joao Pedro, who has scored five goals and made three assists in the Premier League this season, missed Chelsea's recent defeat to Tottenham and will also be absent for the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie at Liverpool. Alonso acknowledged the loss of his key player but said Chelsea must adapt and remain competitive with available options. Morgan Rogers started against Spurs but had little impact, while 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and Estevao could see increased minutes as Chelsea cope without their main striker.