Alonso reports Chelsea injury situation; Lacroix sidelined for several weeks.

After a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the English League Cup, Chelsea are shifting their focus back to the Premier League. At the pre-match press conference, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso provided a detailed update on the team's injuries and personnel changes.

Chelsea currently sits in 5th place in the league with 13 points from the first 8 rounds, while their Premier League opponent Manchester United has only won once and is in 16th place.

Key center-back Maxus Lacroix was injured and substituted during the midweek Anfield match, and Alonso made it clear that he would not be fit for the upcoming games: "Max has suffered an injury, and we expect him to be unable to be ready before the next international break, so he will be out for a few weeks."

Another defender, Jorel Jato, will also be absent. Alonso revealed: "The exact duration of his injury is currently unknown, but he will definitely not be able to play tomorrow. He has a back problem and his physical condition is not suitable for the match at the moment."

However, Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo, who was substituted in the second half of the match against Liverpool, is fine. Alonso gave a clear answer in an interview: "He has no problems and can play normally tomorrow." Full-back Pep Chavarria, who had previously missed three matches, also returns to the bench for this game.

Regarding the recovery progress of the Argentine stars, Alonso added: "Anselmino has suffered a series of injuries, so we must be extra careful. It will take him a few more weeks to fully recover."

Meanwhile, 34-year-old goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who has been sidelined for an extended period due to jaw surgery, is recovering well, and Alonso has confirmed that he may make a quick return before the international break.

Image source: Internet