Chelsea suffer major injury blow ahead of Man United clash

Chelsea suffer major injury blow ahead of Man United clash Chelsea Injury Update Ahead of Manchester United Clash Chelsea go into Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester United carrying a mixed injury picture. Xabi Alonso was clear enough, Moises Caicedo is available, Maxence Lacroix is not, and Emi Martinez remains a waiting game. Caicedo came off during the midweek Carabao Cup defeat on penalties against Liverpool after what Alonso had already described as “little problems” during the game. There is no drama now. The Chelsea manager shut that down quickly, saying: “No issue, he is ok for tomorrow.” That is the important bit for Chelsea, because Caicedo’s presence in midfield changes the balance of the side. Moises Caicedo Available for Chelsea There had been a question mark after his withdrawal at Anfield, with Valentin Barco replacing him just over 20 minutes from time. Alonso has now removed any doubt. Caicedo is fit, he is available, and Chelsea need him against a Manchester United side that will look to turn the game into a physical contest. Photo IMAGO Maxence Lacroix Set for Spell Out The situation with Lacroix is less encouraging. The defender pulled up in first-half stoppage time against Liverpool, appearing to suffer a hamstring problem while tracking Cody Gakpo. Alonso did not dress it up. “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.” That leaves Chelsea short at the back and forces another adjustment ahead of a major league fixture. Emi Martinez Return Still Possible There is better news, or at least a possibility of it, with Emi Martinez. The goalkeeper is out for the Manchester United match after surgery on a broken jaw suffered in the 2-0 win over Everton. Even so, an earlier-than-expected return has not been ruled out. Alonso said: “Yes there is a chance. We still need to wait until next week, but there’s a chance.” There was also confirmation that Pep Chavarria should return to the matchday squad, while Jorrel Hato remains unavailable. So that is Chelsea’s position. Caicedo ready, Lacroix missing, Martinez not far away. Straightforward enough.