Xabi Alonso to Celebrate If Chelsea Scores Against Liverpool Despite Joao Pedro's Injury

Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will celebrate if Chelsea scores against his former team, Liverpool, in the upcoming Carabao Cup match at Anfield. The Blues will face the Reds without their key striker, Joao Pedro, who is sidelined with a thigh injury sustained during training before Chelsea’s recent 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Alonso Will Celebrate Goals With Respect

Alonso, who spent five years at Liverpool, winning trophies including the FA Cup and the 2005 Champions League—where he scored the equaliser in the final against AC Milan—made it clear he won’t hold back celebrations despite his past loyalties.

“Of course, I will celebrate, for sure. With full respect because 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.”

Joao Pedro Injury Leaves Chelsea Thin Up Front

Pedro will miss the game at Anfield and upcoming Premier League fixtures against Manchester United and Sunderland, likely out until the next international break. This leaves Alonso relying on two recognized strikers: 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and Emmanuel Emegha, who has yet to make his debut since transferring from Strasbourg.

Welbeck is expected to start after only a brief appearance against Spurs, where Alonso had used Geovany Quenda and Morgan Rogers in attacking roles, but Chelsea struggled to create meaningful chances and often resorted to long balls.

Alonso Reflects on Liverpool Link and Supports Florian Wirtz

Alonso revealed he almost managed Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp’s departure was announced in 2024 but chose to remain with Bayer Leverkusen instead.

“At that time, I was at Bayer Leverkusen and aware of the situation but decided to stay. That was my decision at the time.”

He also spoke highly of Florian Wirtz, a Liverpool signing valued at £116 million, praising his talent and the time they spent together at Leverkusen.

“One of the main reasons I am here is the time spent with him in Leverkusen. He was a special player who helped me a lot. Now that he’s at Liverpool, I’m watching him closely. The next step is always interesting and he’s getting there.”

Upcoming Challenges for Alonso and Chelsea

Chelsea will aim to recover from their recent derby defeat as they visit Anfield, with Welbeck probably leading their attack. After facing Liverpool, the Blues have crucial Premier League matches against Manchester United and Sunderland before the international break, all without Joao Pedro’s firepower.

Author Background

The article was written by a football journalist whose passion began following historic moments like Zinedine Zidane’s 1998 World Cup win and notable Egyptian league rivalries. Though without a specific European team allegiance, the author admires players such as Maldini, Pirlo, Messi, and Mohamed Salah, celebrating memorable football moments including Mohamed Aboutrika’s 2006 CAF Champions League goal.

• Next Matches:
• Liverpool vs Chelsea - Carabao Cup, 28 Oct 2026, 22:00
• Chelsea vs Manchester United - Premier League (date not specified)
• Chelsea vs Sunderland - Premier League (date not specified)