According to a report by Metro on Thursday October 29, 2026, Chelsea have suffered another injury setback ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester United, with defender Maxence Lacroix a major doubt for Saturday’s encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The France international was forced off shortly before half-time during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup meeting with Liverpool on Wednesday after appearing to suffer a hamstring injury.

Lacroix pulled up while tracking Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and left the pitch clutching the back of his thigh before being replaced by Levi Colwill.

The £52 million summer signing has been an important figure in Xabi Alonso’s side since arriving from Crystal Palace, playing the full 90 minutes in seven of Chelsea’s eight Premier League matches this season.

He has also started every game in the Blues’ Carabao Cup campaign and has accumulated more minutes than any other player in the squad.

Speaking after Chelsea’s penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool, Alonso admitted that the club would need to carry out further examinations before determining the extent of the injury.

“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.

The potential absence of Lacroix would be another headache for Alonso, who is already dealing with several fitness concerns ahead of Manchester United’s visit.

Joao Pedro remains sidelined with a thigh injury, while Reece James is also unavailable. First-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering from jaw surgery.

However, Chelsea have received a boost with Cole Palmer available again after missing Wednesday’s match through suspension. The England international was sent off during the Blues’ Premier League defeat to Tottenham.

Chelsea will hope Lacroix’s injury is not serious as they prepare to face a Manchester United side still managed by Michael Carrick despite a difficult week.

With the match coming just days after their Carabao Cup exit, Alonso will be eager to have as many of his key players available as possible for the Stamford Bridge showdown.