Chelsea fans are distraught as Xabi Alonso has left Estevao Willian out of the starting XI against Liverpool. Many believe that the manager is making a big mistake and should have given him the chance.
Mike Penders starts in goal as expected, as Emiliano Martinez is out injured. The formation also changes, with Alonso switching from a 3-4-3 to a 4-3-3.
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Josh Acheampong starts at right back, while Malo Gusto slots in at left-back with Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria out of the squad. Wesley Fofana returns to the starting XI, partnering Max Lacroix in the backline.
Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo anchor the pivot today, with Jordan Henderson, playing against his former side, getting a free role ahead of them. Pedro Neto and Morgan Rogers will play on the wings today, with Danny Welbeck leading the attack.
Many Chelsea fans are not happy with Estevao not getting a chance and posted:
Xabi Alonso spoke about the injury to Joao Pedro, who is expected to be out for several weeks, and said:
“Yes, he has an injury on his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks. Let’s see how many. We don’t want to predict on that, but he’s not ready for the next games. He is a key player. We will miss him, but we will have to be ready to deal with the injury and to be competitive and to try to win games with the players that we have available. We are starting tomorrow against Liverpool, a cup game. This is the situation. We are ready to fight for it and ready to prove that we can show the level.”
Chelsea are coming into the match after a 2-0 loss to Tottenham. Meanwhile, Liverpool won 2-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.
Chelsea have injury boost amid several issues
Chelsea have confirmed that Emmanuel Emegha is back to full fitness and he has made the squad. Xabi Alonso spoke about him earlier this week and said:
“Emmanuel is in the squad. Yeah, for sure it’s important that we have him available because he has special qualities. He has to feel fully fit. He’s been training for the last couple of weeks, 10 days, in a good way that allows him to build a strong base for his fitness and now gradually we want to see him and maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play.”
Chelsea are also without Cole Palmer today, after he got sent off in the Tottenham loss.
Edited by Sripad
