Liverpool Morning Round-Up, Wednesday 28th October 2026: Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson Return to Anfield with Chelsea for Carabao Cup Clash

Big night ahead at Anfield as Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round this evening, with plenty of reunions on the cards. Xabi Alonso, who managed Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen, is now in the away dugout as Chelsea boss and has made headlines by saying he is still 'following' his old charge and calling him 'special', while also stating he will celebrate if his side score against his former club (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com) (BBC Sport). Jordan Henderson is also set for a return to his old stomping ground, with the former Liverpool captain making clear his feelings about facing the Reds and insisting his love for the club will never change (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com).

There's plenty of discussion around the Iraola-Alonso friendship too, with reports suggesting the two close pals have stopped talking as the Carabao Cup tie approaches, while pieces reflect on Iraola earning respect and passing an early test in a relentless Liverpool schedule (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com). There's also reflection on the fact Liverpool fans once wanted Alonso in the dugout instead of Iraola, though that storyline looks to have settled down (Liverpool Echo). Iraola has also been warned not to repeat a mistake from his predecessor as he prepares his side for Chelsea (Liverpool Echo).

Team news is a major talking point ahead of kick-off, with reports suggesting as many as twelve or thirteen Liverpool players could be missing for the visit of Chelsea, leaving Iraola with selection headaches including a call to make on Florian Wirtz and Ronald Araujo (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com) (This Is Anfield).

On the transfer front, Liverpool have reportedly been linked with Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch (BBC Sport). There's also said to be a stance from Trent Alexander-Arnold on a possible Anfield return, while Jarell Quansah could attract interest in the January window (Liverpool.com) (Liverpool Echo).

This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.