Chelsea have suffered another injury setback ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United, with defender Maxence Lacroix a major doubt after sustaining a hamstring problem against Liverpool.

According to a report by Football London on Thursday, 29 October 2026, Lacroix was forced off shortly before half-time during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup fourth-round encounter at Anfield, leaving manager Xabi Alonso facing another selection concern ahead of the weekend fixture.

The French centre-back picked up the injury while tracking Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. He subsequently left the pitch clutching his hamstring, with Levi Colwill introduced as his replacement.

Lacroix has been a key figure in Alonso’s defence since joining Chelsea from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window.

The £52 million signing has played the full 90 minutes in seven of the club’s eight Premier League matches this season and has accumulated more minutes than any other player in the squad.

The defender has also started every match in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup campaign, making his potential absence against Manchester United a significant concern for the Blues.

Speaking after the defeat to Liverpool, Alonso admitted that the extent of Lacroix’s injury remained unclear.

"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," the Chelsea manager said.

Chelsea were eliminated from the competition after losing 7-6 on penalties at Anfield, adding to the disappointment of their recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Alonso must now assess his defensive options before United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. The Blues are already without Reece James, while first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering from jaw surgery.

Forward Joao Pedro is also unavailable after suffering a thigh injury before Chelsea’s defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

There is, however, some positive news for Alonso, as Cole Palmer is expected to return after missing the Liverpool match through suspension following his red card against Tottenham.

Manchester United, meanwhile, head into the encounter with Michael Carrick still in charge amid growing pressure surrounding the club’s difficult run of form.