Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will celebrate if his team scores against his former club Liverpool in the upcoming Carabao Cup tie at Anfield, despite spending five years on Merseyside as a player. Goal.com reported that the Blues head into the fixture without Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, who faces weeks on the sidelines due to a thigh problem.
Carabao Cup Clash at Anfield Sets the Stage for Alonso
Alonso remains closely tied to Liverpool, having won the FA Cup and the 2005 Champions League in Istanbul, where he scored the equalizer against AC Milan. However, ahead of the Carabao Cup encounter, the Chelsea boss confirmed he will not mute his reaction if his side finds the back of the net.
Joao Pedro Injury Leaves Chelsea Short Up Front
Pedro sustained a thigh problem during training on the eve of a 2-0 derby defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old striker is set to miss the trip to Anfield as well as upcoming Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Sunderland, keeping him out until the next international break. This leaves Alonso with limited attacking options, restricted to 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha, who has yet to make an appearance following a summer move from Strasbourg. Welbeck only featured as an 88th-minute substitute against Spurs despite being fully fit.
Prior Links to Liverpool and Backing for Florian Wirtz
Alonso’s managerial path nearly brought him to the Anfield home dugout in 2024 when Jurgen Klopp announced his departure. Reflecting on that period, Alonso explained that he chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen at the time. Having managed Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen, Alonso also addressed criticism surrounding the player’s £116 million transfer to Liverpool. “One of the main reasons for me being here is the time that I spent with him in Leverkusen,” Alonso said, highlighting Wirtz’s special qualities and noting that he follows the player’s progress with the Reds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelsea and the Carabao Cup Tie
When did Xabi Alonso play for Liverpool?
Alonso spent five years as a player at Liverpool, a tenure that included winning the FA Cup and lifting the 2005 Champions League trophy.
Which matches will Joao Pedro miss due to his injury?
Pedro is sidelined for the Carabao Cup match against Liverpool and Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Sunderland, keeping him out until the next international break.
What are Chelsea’s remaining striker options while Pedro is out?
Alonso has Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha as recognized strikers available during Pedro’s recovery period.
Xabi Alonso insists he WILL celebrate against his former club Liverpool if Chelsea score – as Blues look to bounce back from dismal Tottenham defeat WITHOUT star striker Joao Pedro https://t.co/8Yb9EBVkdW
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