Chelsea have been handed another injury blow ahead of the visit of Manchester United this weekend with Maxence Lacroix a major doubt.

The France international has been a fixture in Xabi Alonso’s starting XI following his summer move from Crystal Palace, playing the full 90 minutes in seven of Chelsea’s eight Premier League games and racking up more minutes than anyone else in the squad.

The centre-half has also started every game of the club’s Carabao Cup campaign this term, starting again against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The Blues were dumped out of the competition after losing 7-6 on penalties but Lacroix’s evening came to a premature end just before half time.

The £52million signing was tracking Cody Gakpo when he pulled up, gingerly leaving the pitch clutching his hamstring as he was replaced by Levi Colwill.

Chelsea face a quick turnaround with United coming to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon with Michael Carrick still in charge after a tumultuous week in Manchester.

The Blues are already without Joao Pedro, who picked up a thigh injury before last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham, with Reece James also absent.

Lacroix will also be considered a huge doubt with Alonso confirming he will be assessed this week.

Speaking at full time, Alonso said of Lacroix’s 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.’

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Chelsea will also be without first choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez who is recovering from jaw surgery.

Cole Palmer missed Wednesday’s defeat at Anfield as a result of the red card he was shown against Tottenham but will be available again this weekend.