Chelsea get Chavarria boost as Lacroix faces lay-off
Chelsea host winless Manchester United after defeats to Spurs and Liverpool. Cole Palmer returns, Danny Welbeck is tipped to start, while Lacroix and Hato are sidelined.
Chelsea fear Maxence Lacroix could miss up to 10 matches with a hamstring injury, including games against Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, in a major blow to Xabi Alonso's defence.
Manchester United have made initial enquiries for Fermín López and Pablo Barrios, two midfielders linked with Chelsea, though no talks are advanced and deals look unlikely.
Chelsea host a struggling Manchester United with Michael Carrick under pressure. Xabi Alonso's side need a response after Liverpool, with Lacroix out but Caicedo fit.
Chelsea are linked with Alex Scott, while Enzo Fernández said he wants to return to River Plate one day. Alonso also ruled out a January loan for Estêvão Willian.
Xabi Alonso ruled out a January loan for Estêvão Willian, saying the Chelsea winger must adapt tactically and physically to earn more minutes after just two starts in 11 games.
Enzo Maresca dismissed Chelsea's red card issue, but the Blues received seven dismissals before he left, including his own, and 11 across the 2025-26 season.
Xabi Alonso said Cole Palmer's sale was never discussed, even during talks with Manchester United over Andrey Santos, shutting down claims of a summer move to Old Trafford.
Chelsea may need to build around Danny Welbeck while João Pedro is out. After quiet displays against Spurs and Liverpool, Xabi Alonso must get him closer to goal.
Chelsea welcome Pep Chavarria back for Manchester United, but Jorrel Hato remains out. Moises Caicedo is fit, while Maxence Lacroix is out for weeks with a hamstring injury.
