Joao Pedro injury update as major Chelsea blow confirmed

Joao Pedro faces weeks out with a thigh injury sustained in training and will miss the Liverpool clash.

Chelsea's Joao Pedro has been ruled out for several weeks with a thigh injury, manager Xabi Alonso confirmed. The Brazilian striker was absent from the weekend's 2-0 defeat to Tottenham after suffering the injury in training the day before. Alonso initially noted fluid on the injury and the need for tests to assess its severity. He has now confirmed Pedro will miss the upcoming Carabao Cup last-16 tie at Liverpool on Wednesday and multiple games beyond that, though the exact timeline remains unclear. Emmanuel Emegha, Danny Welbeck and Estevao will be available for the Anfield fixture. Chelsea have struggled without Pedro this season, losing to both Brentford and Tottenham in his absence.