---
title: "Xabi Alonso confirms massive Chelsea injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/xabi-alonso-confirms-massive-chelsea-injury-blow-ahead-of-liverpool-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-10-28T10:12:23Z"
modified: "2026-10-28T10:12:24Z"
---

# Xabi Alonso confirms massive Chelsea injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash

**Xabi Alonso’s Anfield return is set to be an intriguing subplot during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea.**

The Spaniard returns to his former hunting ground, but the Reds will look to get one over him to make it through to the quarterfinals.

Andoni Iraola spoke ahead of the game and confirmed that Dom Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are injury doubts, while Florian Wirtz is likely to feature after overcoming an ankle injury.

And now, Alonso has confirmed that Chelsea will be without Joao Pedro, who is set to miss a few weeks due to a thigh injury.

## Joao Pedro ruled out for Chelsea vs Liverpool

“Joao has suffered a thigh injury, he won’t be available for a few weeks”, said the Spaniard when asked about his striker.

Pedro was injured before Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Tottenham last week and his absence was dearly felt as they were beaten by Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

> 🚨⚠️ Bad news for Chelsea as João Pedro will be “out for few weeks”, confirms Xabi Alonso.\
> \
> “João has suffered a thigh injury, he won’t be available for few weeks”, Xabi Alonso says. [pic.twitter.com/4yclCKzXV8](https://t.co/4yclCKzXV8)
>
> — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [October 27, 2026](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2115077096695554330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

As for Liverpool, this evens the playing field a little bit as they are also without a few key players, while a handful of others could also be rotated as games are coming thick and fast at the moment.

Cole Palmer is also unavailable due to a suspension after his red card vs Tottenham, so Chelsea will be without two key players in attack.

Experienced striker Danny Welbeck is expected to lead the line, while former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could also feature at Anfield.