Chelsea XI vs Liverpool: Joao Pedro out, Palmer suspended for Carabao Cup tie

Chelsea will be without Joao Pedro once again as they face Liverpool in a Carabao Cup fourth-round clash at Anfield on Wednesday evening. The Blues are also missing Cole Palmer, who serves a one-match suspension, as they chase a much-needed win.

Joao Pedro Injury and Team News

Chelsea were forced to face Tottenham at the weekend without their star striker, and will do so again in each of the next few matches. Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso confirmed the extent of the injury on Tuesday.

"He [Joao Pedro] has an injury of his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks," Alonso said. "Let's see how many. We don't want to predict on that, but he is not ready for the next games."

Alonso experimented against Tottenham with Morgan Rogers deployed up front, but that did not work. He is expected to name a strong side as he returns to his former home Anfield this evening.

Confirmed Starting Lineup

Alonso confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Danny Welbeck and Estevao would be in the squad to meet Liverpool, but only one gets the nod. Estevao remains on the bench, with Welbeck leading the line from Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Jordan Henderson.

There is no change in goal. Alonso has thrown his support behind Mike Penders in spite of the error he made against Spurs, and, with usual No1 Emi Martinez still out with a broken jaw, he will keep his place.

Midfield and Defence Adjustments

Moises Caicedo will start again in midfield, with Romeo Lavia coming in to partner him. Pep Chavarria misses out again through injury, with Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong taking up space on the flanks. Wesley Fofana can come in to freshen up the back three.

Cole Palmer serves a one-match suspension after his sending off for two bookable offences in the late collapse against Tottenham.