Chelsea’s Joao Pedro sidelined for ‘a few weeks’ with thigh injury – Xabi Alonso

Sign InSportsChelsea’s Joao Pedro sidelined for ‘a few weeks’ with thigh injury – Xabi AlonsoBy John Mutiso · October 27, 2026 · 3 min readSponsored AdChelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed Joao Pedro will be sidelined for “a few weeks” with a thigh injury.

Joao Pedro, 25, missed Saturday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, with Alonso explaining the Brazil international “felt something in training” on Friday. After initial assessments, the manager confirmed on Tuesday that the forward will miss their coming games.

“He has an injury on his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks,” Alonso said in his pre-Liverpool press conference. “Let’s see how many, we don’t want to predict on that, but he’s not ready for the next games.

“He’s a key player and we’ll miss him, but we have to be ready to deal with that injury and be competitive and win games with the players available. This is why you build a squad. Some players are important but these situations can happen. We are looking for solutions, not for excuses.”

Joao Pedro has scored five goals and provided three assists in seven appearances in all competitions this season.

Geovany Quenda came into the side in place of the Brazil international against Spurs for his first Premier League start, with Morgan Rogers playing up front.

Striker Emmanuel Emegha could be in contention to make his Chelsea debut during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fixture against Liverpool, Alonso confirmed, having missed the start of the season through injury following his summer move from BlueCo sister club RC Strasbourg.

“For sure it’s important we have him available, because he has special qualities,” Alonso said. “He has been training for the last few weeks. Gradually we want to see him and maybe tomorrow (Wednesday) he will have a chance to play.”In their win at Stamford Bridge, De Zerbi’s side used a hybrid pressing scheme which changed depending on how Chelsea started their attack

The manager also confirmed Danny Welbeck and Estevao are in contention to play.

Following Wednesday’s cup game, Alonso’s side host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday. Chelsea play Sunderland before the international break commencing November 9 and then face Leeds United and Nottingham Forest on the league’s return.

Joao Pedro has been the best striker in the Premier League not named Erling Haaland this season. Losing him for any stretch of time is a bitter blow for Chelsea and Xabi Alonso.

It is no coincidence that Chelsea produced their two worst attacking displays of the campaign so far in the two matches Joao Pedro did not play, in defeats against Brentford and Tottenham. His absence not only deprives Alonso of his most reliable finisher, but also blunts the effectiveness of Cole Palmer and Rogers.

Joao Pedro has developed easy chemistry with both, and the defensive attention he attracts can open up space elsewhere. He also has the mobility to lead a high press and stretch opposing defences with runs in behind — two attributes which Alonso appears to feel that Welbeck does not possess at this late stage of his career.

Chelsea will be hoping that Joao Pedro can heal more quickly than expected, but in the meantime much could depend on the readiness of finally-fit summer arrival Emegha.

The Dutchman’s intriguing blend of size and speed could provide a better focal point for Rogers and Palmer. Chelsea feel he may have a higher long-term ceiling than Nicolas Jackson, who has made an impressive start to his Aston Villa career after leaving Stamford Bridge last summer.

Alonso says he wants to look for solutions, not for excuses. That search takes on considerably more urgency with Joao Pedro on the sidelines.