Big boost for Manchester United as Chelsea lose another key man to injury

Big boost for Manchester United as Chelsea lose another key man to injury Manchester United have been handed a boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea. The Blues were knocked out of the League Cup after losing on penalties to Liverpool on Wednesday. To make matters worse, key star Maxence Lacroix also picked up an injury during the first half of the away encounter. The 26-year-old went down holding his hamstring shortly after Liverpool’s equaliser. He was eventually taken off, with Levi Colwill replacing the centre-back. The League Cup game was settled on a shootout after finishing level in normal time. Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha and Wesley Fofana all missed their spot-kicks as Liverpool edged the contest at Anfield. After the match, manager Xabi Alonso said it is too soon to know the severity of Lacroix’s injury. However, the sight of him gingerly making his way off the pitch suggests he could be out for several weeks. Boost for United Man United are enduring a horrible run of form at the moment. They are winless in eight games across all competitions and currently sit just a point above the relegation zone . Head coach Michael Carrick was widely expected to be sacked, but the club’s hierarchy have decided to give him time to turn things around at Old Trafford. Chelsea have fared far better than United this season, but given their current injury issues, Carrick’s men have a chance to get a good result this weekend. The Blues have conceded 15 league goals this campaign, and Lacroix’s absence will further weaken their defence. The Frenchman has started all but one of their Premier League fixtures this term. The West Londoners will also be without their first-choice striker Joao Pedro , who sustained an injury in training before last week’s home game with Tottenham Hotspur. Pedro has started six top-flight matches, bagging five goals and three assists.