According to a report by Metro on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Chelsea have suffered another injury setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Manchester United after defender Maxence Lacroix picked up a suspected hamstring problem during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.

The France international was forced off shortly before half-time at Anfield after pulling up while tracking Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. Lacroix left the pitch holding his hamstring and was replaced by Levi Colwill.

The injury has raised concerns over his availability for Saturday’s encounter against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso confirming that the defender would undergo further assessment to determine the extent of the problem.

Lacroix has been an important member of Chelsea’s defence since completing his summer move from Crystal Palace. He has started seven of the club’s eight Premier League matches this season, playing the full 90 minutes in each of those appearances and accumulating more minutes than any other player in the squad.

The 52-million-pound signing has also started every match in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup campaign, underlining his importance to Alonso’s defensive plans.

Speaking after the defeat to Liverpool, the Chelsea manager explained that it was too early to determine the severity of Lacroix’s injury. He indicated that the defender appeared to have felt something in his hamstring and that the medical team would need a couple of days to establish the extent of the problem.

Chelsea will be hoping the assessment produces encouraging news ahead of their meeting with Manchester United, although Lacroix remains a major doubt for the fixture.

The potential absence of the Frenchman would add to Alonso’s selection concerns, with the Blues already without Joao Pedro, who sustained a thigh injury before last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Captain Reece James is also unavailable, while first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez continues his recovery from jaw surgery.

However, Chelsea have received some positive news regarding Cole Palmer, who missed Wednesday’s match against Liverpool after being sent off during the defeat to Tottenham. The England international will be available again for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.

Chelsea were eliminated from the Carabao Cup after losing 7-6 on penalties to Liverpool, making their upcoming league encounter another important test for Alonso’s side.

With Manchester United travelling to Stamford Bridge this weekend, Chelsea will be hoping to have as many key players available as possible as they prepare for a demanding contest.