Alonso says João Pedro will miss several weeks before Manchester United match

Alonso said João Pedro would be unavailable for the next Premier League match against Manchester United. The forward has a thigh injury and is expected to miss several weeks, the coach confirmed, without giving a return date. He added that João Pedro would also be unavailable for the team’s next few matches.

João Pedro had already missed Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham. Alonso used Morgan Rogers at centre-forward to cover his absence. The injury therefore leaves the team without one attacking option for the upcoming fixture.

Alonso also discussed Cole Palmer’s sending-off in that match against Tottenham, which Chelsea lost 2-0. Palmer received two yellow cards. The coach said he had spoken to him afterwards: « We have spoken, and he certainly knows what mistakes he made and what he could have avoided. »

On João Pedro’s absence, Alonso said: « João Pedro has a thigh injury and will be out for several weeks. We do not want to speculate about how long he will be out, but he will not be available for the next few matches. » He also stressed the forward’s importance to the team: « He is an essential player for us and we will certainly miss him, but we have to manage this injury and prepare for the next matches, starting with the one against Liverpool. »

In comments before the Carabao Cup match against Liverpool, Alonso had already said Pedro had not recovered from his injury and that the technical staff could not set a precise date for his return.

Meanwhile, Emegha is nearing a return to competition after regaining his fitness following a hamstring injury. Alonso confirmed that Emegha, Estêvão and Danny Welbeck were ready for the match against Liverpool, and that the Dutch forward would be included in the squad.