Xabi Alonso looks ahead to Manchester United and gives an update on Maxence Lacroix and Moises Caicedo's fitness

Chelsea will have to pick themselves up off the floor and dust themselves down after Wednesdsay night's heartbreaking Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool and prepare to face under pressure Michael Carrick-led Manchester United side on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

It is a quick turnaround for the Blues only having a couple of days inbetween games, where as Manchester United have had a week to prepare after their game against Bournemouth, which piled on the pressure on Carrick, but the club backed their manager but saying he's been "granted a stay of execution.

There was a lot for Xabi Alonso to talk about in his press conference today, the injuries to Lacroix, Caicedo, and Gusto as well as whether we might see Estevao Willian get some more minutes after not coming off the bench at Anfield, also the return of Cole Palmer from suspension.

The main injury concern after Wednesday was that of Lacroix after the French international had to come off just before half time, after what looked like a suspected hamstring injury, clutching the back of his left thigh and being escorted off by medics, Alonso gave an update on when we might expect Lacroix to return.

Max picked up an injury and we expect he is not going to be ready before the international break. He will be a few weeks out.

There was some positive injury news for Chelsea fans, with Moisés Caicedo declared fit to start at Stamford Bridge. Alonso confirmed: "No issue. He's okay for tomorrow." However, the starting line-up could still be reshuffled following Maxence Lacroix's injury, while Jorrel Hato will miss out after Alonso confirmed he is not in the squad. Pep Chavarría, meanwhile, will be available.

But did hint that Emiliano Martinez could be back in the squad earlier than expected, possibly before the next international break, but with a protective mask.

After what looked to be promising start to Xabi Alonso's Chelsea career, the progress has somewhat stalled in recent weeks, but this weekend poses a different challenge with a manager who is on the brink of losing his job, and trying to stabilise his squad around him, but Alonso insists that he's not listening to the noise surrounding their oppnents this weekend.

For me, it doesn't change. We need to prepare the same way. We can only control what we can control. We know they are a good team, it doesn't matter about the table. They have a good squad, good player, good manager.

Discipline has been a big problem for Chelsea over the course of last season and the early part of this one, with Cole Palmer's red card against Tottenham, being their ninth since the start of last season, with the Englishman serving his suspension on Wednesday, meaning he will be available to play at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Alonso saying that he spoke to Palmer after the Spurs game, and always trying to improve.

We have spoken about the game, what he can improve, but we always do.

Let's hope, there is no repeat of any ill discipline and no new injuries.