Chelsea have been dealt another injury setback after Xabi Alonso confirmed that Joao Pedro will be sidelined for several weeks with a thigh problem.
The Brazilian forward was a surprise absentee from the squad for Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Spurs, after he picked up an issue during training on the eve of the match.
Pedro's absence was felt at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues struggling to create clear chances against their rivals. Morgan Rogers was deployed in a central attacking role, but Chelsea failed to find the breakthrough before conceding twice in the second half.
Until now, Alonso had been unable to provide a clear timeline for Pedro's return, but the Spaniard has recently updated fans ahead of the Blues' Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool.
Xabi Alonso reveals extent of Joao Pedro's latest injury
Speaking to Chelsea's official website ahead of Wednesday's trip to Anfield, Alonso confirmed that the 25-year-old would be unavailable for the next few fixtures after sustaining a thigh injury.
"He has an injury in his thigh and he's going to be out for a few weeks," the Chelsea boss explained.
"Let's see how many; we don't want to predict that. But he will not be ready for the next games."
Alonso also acknowledged the importance of the forward to his team, admitting that his absence would be a significant blow as Chelsea look to get back to winning ways.
"He is a key player and we will miss him," he added.
"However, we have to be ready to deal with the injury, be competitive and try to win games with the players we have available, starting tomorrow against Liverpool, a cup game."
The Chelsea boss admitted his squad were prepared to face the challenge, adding: "This is the situation and we are ready to fight for it and prove we can show a good level."
Chelsea must find attacking solution without Pedro
Pedro's injury comes at an awkward time for Alonso, with the forward establishing himself as a key part of Chelsea's attack this season.
He has scored five goals and registered three assists in seven appearances across all competitions, making him the club's leading scorer so far this campaign.
His absence against Spurs exposed the difficulty Chelsea can face when they are without a recognised focal point up front. The decision to use Rogers in a central role failed to produce the desired result, while Danny Welbeck was left waiting until the closing stages to enter the contest.
There are, however, alternatives available. Welbeck could be handed a more prominent role, while summer signing Emmanuel Emegha has returned to contention after recovering from a hamstring problem.
Alonso confirmed that Emegha would be in the squad for the Liverpool fixture, giving Chelsea another option as they attempt to manage Pedro's absence.
The immediate priority will be Wednesday's cup tie, followed by a Premier League meeting with Manchester United on Saturday.
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