Xabi Alonso has said he will not hold back from celebrating if Chelsea score against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. The Reds host their Premier League rivals in the fourth round on Wednesday evening, with Alonso returning to Anfield for the first time since taking charge in west London.
Alonso's Return to Anfield
Alonso is remembered as a legend by Liverpool supporters after an illustrious five-year spell at the club between 2004 and 2009. However, the 44-year-old has risked alienating those fans with his pre-match comments, refusing to rule out celebrating if Chelsea manage to score against his former club.
Speaking to the media this week, Alonso said: "Of course, I will celebrate, for sure. With full respect because for sure, my warmth with Liverpool was there as a player. But now, I am in a different role, I need to support my team, I need to support my club. I fight for my club and if we score, I will celebrate with whole respect. That is the respect for my club and the respect for the opponent as well."
Third Visit as Visiting Manager
Wednesday's match will be the third time Alonso has overseen a game at Anfield as a visiting manager, having previously returned to the stadium for Champions League clashes with Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid.
Liverpool have received a boost ahead of the tie, with Chelsea forward Joao Pedro ruled out. The Brazilian has been in strong form this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in six Premier League appearances, but will miss the match while recovering from an injury picked up in training.
Alonso said: "He has an injury in his thigh and he's going to be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many; we don't want to predict that. But he will not be ready for the next games. He is a key player and we will miss him, but 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. This is the situation and we are ready to fight for it and prove we can show a good level."
Injury Concerns for Both Sides
Chelsea are not the only team dealing with injuries. Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai is not expected to feature under Andoni Iraola until next month due to a tight hamstring, while Victor Munoz is still recovering from a knee issue.
Jeremie Frimpong is not expected back until after the November international break because of a muscular injury. Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni also remain long-term absentees, with none anticipated to return to full fitness until the new year.
