Overview
- Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Lacroix suffered a hamstring in the Carabao Cup defeat and will be sidelined for a few weeks, with no expectation of a return before the international break.
- Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering from surgery for a fractured jaw and could be available before the break if cleared by staff, though he would likely wear a protective face mask.
- Moises Caicedo, who left the Liverpool game with a minor issue, has been declared fit to play in the upcoming match against Manchester United.
- Jorrel Hato remains unavailable while Pep Chavarria has returned to fitness, and Lacroix’s injury adds to ongoing absences that already include Reece James and Joao Pedro.
- The new setback forces Xabi Alonso to reshuffle defensive options and increase rotation risk, giving fringe defenders more minutes and leaving the squad dependent on medical checks next week for further availability updates.