Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has announced the absence of one of his most valuable players in the coming weeks. During the press conference prior to the English League Cup round of 16 match against Liverpool at Anfield, Alonso reported that Brazilian striker JoaoPedro has suffered a thigh injury during training on Friday. The player was already out on Saturday, after the London derby against Tottenham that ended 0‑2 at Stamford Bridge, and the injury occurred in training prior to that match.
Alonso explained to journalists that JoaoPedro's thigh injury “is going to be out for a few weeks” and that, although no predictions will be made about the exact duration, the forward will not be available for the next matches. The Brazilian forward has been the protagonist of a brilliant start to the season, with five goals and three assists in seven games in all competitions. His absence is especially felt after Chelsea's recent fall to fifth place in the Premier League, after losing three games since the start of the championship: two without JoaoPedro (the first against Brentford 3-0, when the forward was lost due to knee problems) and with him in the 2-1 against the champion Arsenal.
Alonso, despite regretting the loss of such a sensitive player, highlighted the depth of the Chelsea squad and the team's ability to cope with his absence. The Blues are preparing for a visit to Liverpool in the League Cup and will then host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday. JoaoPedro's injury poses a challenge to the Chelsea line-up, but the coach is confident that the team will be able to continue competing at competitive and league level.