Here are the big lines from today's League Cup news conferences:

• Chelsea forward Joao Pedro will remain out 'for a few weeks' with a thigh injury
• Liverpool are 'optimistic' that Florian Wirtz will play against Chelsea
• Man City boss Enzo Maresca confirmed that five key players have had three days off

Stay across Matthias Jaissle's news conference later (14:30 GMT) on our Newcastle page.

Follow all the League Cup action tonight on our live page.

Chelsea

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A final word from Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso who confirmed that Emmanuel Emegha, who has not played this season, will be in the squad against Liverpool: "He's been training for the last 10 days in a good way to allow him to build up his fitness. Maybe tomorrow he has the chance to play."

Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on Harry Kane winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or: "Congratulations to Harry. For sure, he's a player that is different class. Harry deserves it, especially the last years, he got better and better. He's having a great impact in Germany and the national team."

Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on Cole Palmer's reaction to his red card against Tottenham: "We spoke. He knows the mistake he made. It's things he can avoid. Let's hope it's not going to be repeated. He's mature. It was a mistake.

"His team-mates know how special he is."

Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Danny Welbeck and Estevao will be in the squad against Liverpool.

"Every player in the squad can play," he said.

"We choose the best players for each case. That was the case on Saturday [why Welbeck and Estevao were not used]."

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on his side's defeat by Tottenham: "We were not happy with the result or the performance. We have moved on and now the focus is on Liverpool."

Chelsea

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso on Joao Pedro's injury: "He has an injury of his thigh and is going to be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many.

"He's not ready for the next games.

"Yeah, for sure [we can cope]. This is why you build a squad. For sure, some players are important but this can happen."

Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Joao Pedro will remain out for Wednesday's trip to Anfield.

He says the Brazillian will be out for "a few weeks".

Full quotes to follow.

Chelsea

A little later than billed, Xabi Alonso has arrived.

He starts his news conference congratulating Harry Kane for his Ballon d'Or win and says "he deserves it".

Full quotes to follow.

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Wednesday also marks the first time that Xabi Alonso will return to Anfield as manager of one Liverpool's Premier League rivals.

Before the sacking of Arne Slot, many expected the former Reds midfielder to be the next man in the dugout at Anfield, so it came as a surprise to a large number of fans when he was announced as the new boss at Stamford Bridge.

He has faced Liverpool twice before as manager, once with Bayer Leverkusen and once with Real Madrid.

Slot was in the dugout for the Reds for both of those games and got the better of Alonso on both occassions.

The Spaniard received a good reception then but will being in the dugout of a Premier League rival see that become a little more hostile on Wednesday evening?

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport Chelsea reporter

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is heading into a difficult week of matches, and defeat at home to Tottenham has raised the stakes ahead of Wednesday's trip to Liverpool.

The defeat was notable for a mistake by 21-year-old goalkeeper Mike Penders, which swung the game in Spurs' favour.

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer was sent off and is suspended for Wednesday night's Carabao Cup tie.

There was also the surprise absence of star striker Joao Pedro, with his fitness likely to be another topic at today's news conference (13:30 GMT).

After the trip to Anfield, struggling Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge for Saturday's early kick-off.

It is a challenging week for Alonso, who may face tougher questions today after Chelsea's two-game winning run since the international break had appeared to put them back on track.

From Liverpool to their opponents on Wednesday evening in Chelsea now.

Blues boss Xabi Alonso is facing the media in the next few moments and we'll bring you all the quotes as we get them.

A big game for Alonso for a multitude of reasons and he will be desperate for a response after last weekend's derby defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool

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Just how big is the League Cup going to be for Liverpool this season? A chance for silverware or just an annoying distraction?

They're in four competitions and have already had injury issues this season but getting their hands on a trophy in March? Andoni Iraola would take that, just without any mishaps along the way. Speak to Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola and they'll tell you the value of winning this cup.

The Liverpool boss was asked if he felt any pressure to deliver a trophy in his first season. "Every competition is an opportunity, especially when you are the coach of Liverpool. You have to take it like this," he said.

"I would love to win tomorrow and have the chance to go further in the competition, but I know we will have to play well and beat a very good team."

Liverpool

An image Liverpool supporters certainly would like to see again.

Jayden Danns, who scored against Southampton in the FA Cup in 2024, is still only 20.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola said Danns' issue is not talent but keeping fit for selection.

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Liverpool

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Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola on Jayden Danns, who scored for the under-21s earlier this week: "He's building some good minutes and he scored the other day. He's in a good place. I hope he continues pushing and he progresses to fight for minutes."

Liverpool

In response to how he will rotate the squad given the opponents are Chelsea, Andoni Iraola said: "There will definitely be changes, but we want to win the game. We want to be competitive.

"We need to see where the legs are and make some changes game-to-game because it's almost mandatory.

"We want to be in the next round. We have been unlucky in the draw because we are playing Chelsea. They have been unlucky, also."

Liverpool

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Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea. He started by providing an update on Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz.

"We still have to wait," said Iraola. "We train later.

"With Florian I am quite optimistic that he will be available. Dom and Victor, I am not so sure.

"I don’t want to say no, but I think it’s going to be more difficult than Florian."

Liverpool

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola on Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso: "We were close friends and grew up together. We played in the same team and against each other.

"We will talk after the game."

Liverpool

Liverpool are aiming for a fifth consecutive victory since their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

He welcomes his former Spain team-mate, Xabi Alonso, to Anfield on Wednesday.

Manchester City are top of the Premier League and Brighton are third.

That Carabao Cup tie should be very decent.