Chelsea's week has been defined by setbacks, and the club heads to Anfield on Wednesday carrying real uncertainty about their attacking options. The 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham on Saturday was damaging enough on its own, ending a run of form and exposing questions about depth and discipline. But the fallout has made things considerably harder for Xabi Alonso.
Cole Palmer's red card against Spurs, the first of his career and the first Chelsea have received in any competition this season, means he serves a one-match ban in the Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool. Alonso has acknowledged the dismissal was a learning moment, confirming he will speak to Palmer directly and that the squad had been warned about the dangers of picking up early bookings in high-intensity matches. Morgan Rogers also came under scrutiny for a late challenge that Gary Neville felt warranted a red card of its own.
The injury picture is equally concerning. Joao Pedro, Chelsea's most important forward, has been ruled out for several weeks with a thigh problem. His absence was already felt against Tottenham, where Rogers struggled in a false nine role. Alonso will likely turn to Danny Welbeck to lead the line at Anfield, with Emmanuel Emegha and Estevao also travelling as options. Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League on 13 points, one behind Liverpool, and need a response quickly.
Xabi Alonso has insisted he will celebrate if Chelsea score against his former club Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at Anfield. The Blues must do it without star Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, who faces weeks on the sidelines with a thigh problem picked up in training on the eve of Saturday's dismal 2-0 derby defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are weighing up a move for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari after talks over a new contract stalled. The Sweden international's deal expires at the end of the season, while Xabi Alonso is still looking to add a midfielder to his squad following the deadline-day sale of Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City over the summer. Galatasaray and AC Milan are also keeping tabs on him.
Gary Neville has admitted he is stunned by Manchester United's decision to retain Michael Carrick as manager following a disastrous run of form. Despite intense pressure after a heavy home defeat, the club legend will remain in the dugout for this weekend's pivotal Premier League meeting with Chelsea.
Chelsea have been hit with a significant setback ahead of their midweek Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool, with Xabi Alonso confirming that Joao Pedro is set for a spell on the sidelines. The Brazilian forward was a surprise omission from the squad that faced Tottenham at the weekend and is now expected to miss several weeks of action.
Chelsea were founded on March 10, 1905, following Gus Mears' acquisition of the Stamford Bridge in 1904. Several names were put up for consideration: Kensington FC, Stamford Bridge FC, and London FC. However, all these names were rejected and the name Chelsea F.C. was finally selected.
Who are the owners of Chelsea?
Chelsea are co-owned by an American consortium consisting of Todd Boehly, Mark Walter. Hansjorg Wyss, and Behdad Eghbali-led Clearlake Capital. Boehly, Walter, and Wyss each own a 12.8% stake in the club, while Clearlake Capital are the majority shareholder with a 61.5% stake.
What is Chelsea's stadium called?
Chelsea's stadium is known as the Stamford Bridge and has been the club's home venue ever since their inception in 1905. Interestingly, the Stamford Bridge was owned by a separate company after businessman Ken Bates bought the club in the 1980s, when they were on the verge of bankruptcy and stuck in the second division. In 1992, however, after a long-fought legal battle and a 'Save The Bridge' campaign from the fans, Chelsea regained ownership of the stadium.
What is Stamford Bridge's capacity?
The Stamford Bridge has a capacity of around 40,000.
How many trophies have Chelsea won?
Chelsea have won an impressive 32 trophies throughout their history, including two Champions League titles and six English top-flight titles.
How many Premier League (top flight) titles have Chelsea won?
Chelsea have won the English top flight on six occasions, with their most recent title coming at the end of the 2016-17 season.
Who has made the most appearances for Chelsea?
Legendary defender Ron Harris holds the record for making the most appearances for Chelsea, featuring for the club in 795 games, ahead of Peter Bonetti and John Terry. The latter two are the only other players along with Harris to make over 700 appearances for the club.
Who is Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer?
Frank Lampard, arguably the greatest Chelsea player ever, is the club's leading goalscorer of all-time, netting the ball into the net 211 times in 648 games. The fact that he was a midfielder makes the feat all the more impressive.
Which famous players have played for Chelsea?
Didier Drogba, John Terry, Eden Hazard, Claude Makelele, Arjen Robben, Petr Cech, Michael Ballack, and David Luiz are some of the most famous players to have represented Chelsea.
Which famous managers have been in charge of Chelsea?
Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, and Maurizio Sarri are among the biggest managerial names to have been a part of Chelsea's eminent history.
What is Chelsea's nickname?
Chelsea are called The Blues, which is a reference to the colour of their kit since the early 20th century.