Chelsea without João Pedro for weeks – Alonso: 'Look for solutions, not excuses'

Chelsea will have to cope without João Pedro in the coming weeks. "He has an injury on his thigh and he's going be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many," coach Xabi Alonso said Tuesday ahead of Wednesday night's League Cup game at Liverpool. He declined to give a timeline but said the striker was not ready for the next games.

João Pedro has scored five Premier League goals this season, and Chelsea failed to score in either of the two league games he has missed, according to PA. "He's a key player. We will miss him," Alonso said, adding that "you need to be looking for solutions, not looking for excuses." New signing Emegha, now fit, is one option: "Maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play."

Cole Palmer will also miss out, suspended after his second-yellow red card in the league game against Tottenham. "We spoke. He knows the mistake he made," Alonso said. Liverpool are without Jeremie Frimpong because of a muscle problem.