Chelsea are set to welcome Cole Palmer back from suspension for their Premier League meeting with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, but Maxence Lacroix is likely to miss out as the Blues' injury problems deepen.
Palmer served a one-game ban after being sent off against Tottenham, missing the Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool on penalties at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Lacroix injury adds to Chelsea's woes
Lacroix left the pitch with a hamstring injury just before half-time in that defeat, and head coach Xabi Alonso said afterwards he did not yet know how long the Frenchman would be sidelined.
"Too early to tell," Alonso said. "Probably he felt something on the hamstrings. We need a couple of days to check what the injury is."
Lacroix is the latest addition to a growing injury list, with Reece James ruled out until the new year following knee surgery and Joao Pedro set to miss several weeks with a thigh issue.
Alonso provides update on Pedro and midfield duo
Alonso said he expected the Brazilian to miss "a few weeks" as he continues his rehabilitation.
"He has an injury to his thigh, and he is going to be out for a few weeks," the head coach said ahead of the Liverpool defeat. "Let's see how many. We don't want to predict on that, but he is not ready for the next games."
Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo are expected to be assessed over the coming days, with both players having played through pain at Anfield.
"The game had very intense moments. We knew that it was going to be physical, and after we had to deal with Max (Lacroix), Moi (Caicedo) had little problems. Malo as well - he had cramps. We were a little bit forced with substitutions," Alonso added.
Goalkeeper boost and other absentees
There is more positive news in goal, with Emi Martinez expected to return earlier than anticipated from a broken jaw. The Argentina international has seen a specialist about getting a mask fitted after undergoing surgery on the injury, which he suffered in a collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria did not travel to Anfield but will hope to be in contention for minutes against United. Jamie Gittens remains out with an ankle injury picked up with England U21s during the last international break.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Penders, Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana, Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Hato, Palmer, Rogers, Welbeck.
Injured: Gittens, Martinez, Lacroix, Pedro, James. Doubts: Gusto, Caicedo, Chavarria, Hato.
Kick-off is at 12:30pm GMT on Saturday, October 31, at Stamford Bridge, with the match broadcast on TNT Sports.
