Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge (12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Alonso gave an update on defender Maxence Lacroix, who limped off during Wednesday's Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool: "Max picked up an injury and we expect he will not be available before the international break. He will be out for a few weeks."

• Could goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez return before the international break? "Yes there is a chance. We need to still wait for the next week, let's see how things go. In case he is ready to play, he will need a face mask."

• Moises Caicedo has "no issue" after appearing to pick up a knock at Anfield and Pep Chavarria is back in the squad, while Jorrel Hato remains sidelined.

• Who could replace Lacroix in the coming weeks?: "With Max's injury, Wes [Fofana], Levi [Colwill], Josh [Acheampong] and Jorrel can play centre-back."

• On facing United after defeats by Tottenham and Liverpool: "We are back in Premier League mode and that for me is the main competition for us - this year and almost every year. It is a big one. We didn't have long to prepare but its really important after the last home game we had that we keep winning games and get that winning feeling."

• Alonso was asked about Estevao's lack of minutes after he again was left on the bench against Liverpool: "Yeah sure he will play. The season is long and there will be opportunities for everyone. He will have his minutes. We are still early in the season but he will be there. It is not about attitude, it is about the context of games. He is a great guy. We are still in October and he will be important."

• He added there is "no discussion" about a possible loan for the winger in January.

• What has he learned in the past week?: "I've seen a better version of us on Wednesday than I did on Saturday even though the result wasn't what we wanted in either. This is a journey where we will have tough moments and we need to learn from them."

• On United and their head coach Michael Carrick's recent struggles: "I have great respect, I have great sympathy for Michael as a manager. I know him because we have played against each other. We played recently in a legends game and had a chat. He is a good guy and one you want to be around. Aside from that it is not for me to comment."

• Has he spoken to Cole Palmer after his red card against Spurs?: "We have spoken about the game and things we can improve. But, we always do. We don't want it repeated but for him it is the first one. So we have talked more about football because Cole is a smart guy."