Chelsea are suffering from a number of injury issues and Xabi Alonso may have to plan to be without one Blues star for a significant period of time

There are fears Maxence Lacroix could be injured for the remainder of 2026, football.london understands. The Chelsea defender picked up an injury during the Blues' Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool.

The Frenchman pulled up and clutched the back of his left thigh in the final moments of the first half against the Reds. Xabi Alonso confirmed in his press conference that Laxroix would not be back before the international break.

In the final moments of the first half, he pulled up, clutching the back of his left thigh. Alonso said: "Max picked up an injury and we expect he is not going to be ready before the international break. He will be a few weeks out."

Make sure you never miss the latest Chelsea news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources.

However, while he has not yet been ruled out for the remainder of the calendar year, there are concerns that his injury could be that severe. The 26-year-old has completed 90 minutes in all but one of Chelsea's Premier League matches so far this term, and has proven a crucial cog in Alonso's set-up.

Friday saw better news when the Spanish coach was able to confirm there was a chance goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could return to the net before the international break. The former Aston Villa star is currently recovering from a fractured jaw suffered against Everton.

"There's a chance," Alonso said. "We still need to wait until next week, but there's a chance.

"In case he's ready to play, he will probably need a face mask."

There was also positive news on the availability of Pep Chavarria and Moises Caicedo ahead of the clash with Manchester United, with both set to be available. However, Jorrel Hato is expected to miss the game.

Alonso has also admitted that he would have liked more time to prepare to face Manchester United, following the Blues' midweek match.

"Physically, for sure, one day more would have been welcome, but this is Premier League, we know that sometimes you don't get what you want. But we will be in the best possible condition for tomorrow. Mentally, we have spoken, talking about what it takes, the game for tomorrow."