Chelsea have been dealt another injury blow ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with defender Maxence Lacroix a major doubt.
The France international, a summer signing from Crystal Palace, has been a regular in Xabi Alonso's starting line-up, playing the full 90 minutes in seven of Chelsea's eight league games and logging more minutes than any other squad member. He has also started every match of the club's Carabao Cup campaign, including Wednesday's tie against Liverpool.
Hamstring concern for Lacroix
The Blues were eliminated from the competition after losing 7-6 on penalties, but Lacroix's evening ended early just before half-time. The £52million signing was tracking Cody Gakpo when he pulled up and left the pitch clutching his hamstring, being replaced by Levi Colwill.
Speaking after the match, Alonso said: 'Too early to tell. Probably he felt something on the hamstrings. And we need a couple of days to check what's going to be the injury.'
Blues already missing key players
Chelsea face a quick turnaround with United visiting on Saturday afternoon, with Michael Carrick still in charge following a turbulent week in Manchester. The Blues are already without Joao Pedro, who picked up a thigh injury before last weekend's defeat to Tottenham, while Reece James is also absent.
First-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is also unavailable as he recovers from jaw surgery. Cole Palmer, who missed the defeat at Anfield due to suspension after his red card against Tottenham, will be available again this weekend.
