India, Oct. 28 -- Chelsea have suffered a major injury setback, with forward Joao Pedro expected to miss several weeks after sustaining a thigh injury in training. Manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the development ahead of the Blues' EFL Cup clash against Liverpool, leaving the club without one of its key attacking players for a crucial run of fixtures.

The Brazil international was a surprise absentee from Chelsea's squad for their Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur on October 24. The Blues subsequently suffered a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, and Pedro's absence was a significant blow to their attacking options.

Speaking ahead of the Liverpool fixture, Alonso confirmed that the forward would not be available for the next f...