João Pedro out for weeks, Chelsea debut looms for Emegha

João Pedro sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury; Emmanuel Emegha fit to make his Chelsea debut against Liverpool in the League Cup.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed that João Pedro has suffered a thigh injury and will miss several weeks of action. The Brazilian has been a key player this season, scoring five goals in six league matches.

Emmanuel Emegha, signed from RC Strasbourg, is now fit enough to step into the gap left by Pedro's absence. The Dutch international had been recovering from a hamstring injury since his arrival but has trained well over the past ten days. Alonso expressed confidence in Emegha's qualities and suggested he could feature in Wednesday's League Cup tie against Liverpool.

Chelsea will also be without Cole Palmer for the match after the 24-year-old received a two-match suspension following two yellow cards in the derby against Tottenham Hotspur.