Chelsea handed another significant injury blow

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has confirmed Maxence Lacroix will be sidelined for a few weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.

The defender was forced off at Anfield and is not expected to return before the international break.

“Max picked up an injury and we expect he is not going to be ready before the international break,” Alonso said.

“He will be a few weeks out.”

There was better news on Moises Caicedo, who was forced off in the second half against Liverpool with a minor problem but is fit to face Manchester United.

“No issue,” Alonso said. “He’s okay for tomorrow.”

But Jorrel Hato is also set to miss out again, though Pep Chavarria is fit after missing the game against Liverpool.

Alonso also offered a positive update on Emiliano Martinez, who is recovering from surgery on a fractured jaw.

Asked whether the goalkeeper could return before the international break, Alonso said: “There’s a chance.

“We still need to wait until next week, but there’s a chance. In case he’s ready to play, he will probably need a face mask.”

Lacroix becomes the latest key player to suffer an injury blow, with Reece James and Joao Pedro also currently sidelined.