CORNERFLICK
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso says Joao Pedro will be out for several weeks after picking up a thigh muscle injury in training.
Injury setback for Chelsea
The Brazilian forward missed Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Tottenham after hurting himself in Friday's session. Alonso said Pedro is not ready for the upcoming matches and would not speculate on a return date.
"He has a thigh injury and will be out for several weeks. We have to see how long it takes; we do not want to predict when he will come back, but he is not ready for the matches ahead," Alonso said ahead of Liverpool.
Pedro's absence removes one of Chelsea's main attacking outlets at a time when the London club has already been dealing with several squad issues. He has started the season well, with five goals and three assists in seven appearances in all competitions.
What comes next
Chelsea host Liverpool in the EFL Cup on Wednesday before facing Manchester United at home on Saturday. No exact return date has been set, with his recovery expected to determine when Alonso has him back in the squad.