Liverpool v Chelsea: Joao Pedro out for weeks, Iraola hopeful on Wirtz
Chelsea go to Anfield in the Carabao Cup last 16 without Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Emiliano Martínez. Liverpool plan changes too.
By TuSport Desk · 27 Oct 2026, 15:50 WAT
Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield in the Carabao Cup last 16 on Wednesday 28 October, kick-off 20:00 GMT (21:00 WAT). Both head coaches spoke to the media on Tuesday.
Xabi Alonso said Joao Pedro has a thigh injury and will be out for a few weeks, without giving an exact return date. The Brazilian forward missed Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham. Alonso called him a key player and said Chelsea have to deal with it using the players they have.
Cole Palmer is suspended after his red card against Spurs, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is still recovering from a broken jaw, Liverpool.com reports. Alonso said striker Emmanuel Emegha is in the squad and could get minutes at Anfield.
For Liverpool, Andoni Iraola said he is "quite optimistic" Florian Wirtz will be available, but he will only know after training on Tuesday afternoon. Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are doubts. Iraola said "there will definitely be changes", while adding that Liverpool still want to reach the quarter-finals.
Liverpool beat Brighton 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday. After this tie, Chelsea host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Sources: www.bbc.com · www.football.london · www.liverpool.com
