Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed that midfielder Moises Caicedo is fit for Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United, while defender Maxence Lacroix is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Caicedo available after Liverpool scare
Caicedo started Wednesday night's Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss to Liverpool but was replaced by Valentin Barco with just over 20 minutes remaining at Anfield. Alonso later revealed the midfielder had been dealing with "little problems" during the game.
Speaking on Friday, the Blues boss said of Caicedo: "No issue, he is ok for tomorrow."
Lacroix injury and other absentees
Lacroix was forced off in first half stoppage-time against Liverpool after pulling up with a suspected hamstring injury while tracking the run of Cody Gakpo. Alonso said: "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."
Alonso also confirmed that summer signing Pep Chavarria is set to return to the matchday squad, but fellow defender Jorrel Hato will remain sidelined.
Martinez closing in on return
There is optimism that Emi Martinez could be back fit ahead of schedule after undergoing surgery for a broken jaw suffered in the 2-0 win over Everton. The Argentina international will miss the showdown against Man United, but he could return to action before the international break.
"Yes there is a chance," Alonso confirmed. "We still need to wait until next week, but there's a chance."
