Xabi Alonso wowed by 'very special' Chelsea talent, he should be unleashed vs Liverpool

Xabi Alonso is considering starting Emmanuel Emegha against Liverpool on Wednesday after Joao Pedro's thigh injury rules him out for several weeks.

Chelsea face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday with Joao Pedro sidelined by a thigh injury that will keep him out for several weeks. Manager Xabi Alonso is weighing whether to start Emmanuel Emegha, the 23-year-old Dutch striker signed from Strasbourg for £21 million in the summer, or opt for the more experienced Danny Welbeck.

Emegha has been unavailable since August due to a hamstring injury but has now been cleared to feature in the squad. At Strasbourg, he scored 31 goals in 78 appearances and ranked highly in expected goals and big chances created metrics. Alonso has publicly praised Emegha's qualities, saying: "When he is fit, he is very special. He is 1.95 metres, is quick, he attacks space, and he is a threat."

The manager believes Emegha's pace and dynamism could provide the attacking thrust Chelsea need in Pedro's absence, and starting him would give the young striker his first appearance for the club.