Chelsea host Manchester United this weekend, with both teams without key players
Up to 13 players could be unavailable for Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United this weekend, with both sides hampered by injury concerns. Xabi Alonso’s side welcome back the under-pressure Michael Carrick, who knows that anything less than a win could spell the end of his spell as Man United manager, with just two wins in all competitions this campaign.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. Alonso’s team have been buoyed ahead of the clash, but face a growing injury crisis.
The Blues boss confirmed that Pep Chavarria and Moises Caicedo are in contention to feature again, while Cole Palmer is also set to return after his suspension ends.
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Despite this, Chelsea could still find themselves without seven key players Maxence Lacroix suffered an injury blow earlier this week.
During Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Liverpool, the Blues defender suffered a knee problem in the dying moments of the first half, catching the back of his left thigh.
Alonso confirmed in a press conference: “Max is injured and we expect him to be unavailable until the international break. He will be out for a few weeks.” football.london However, it should be understood that there are fears that the centre-back could be set for a long term.
when asked if Emiliano Martinez Hinted that he could return between the sticks before the upcoming international break, the Blues manager replied: “There’s a chance.
“We still have to wait until next week, but there is a chance,” Alonso added. “He’ll probably need a face mask if he’s ready to play.”
When asked about Jorrell Hato and Pep Chavarria, both absent from the match-day squad on Tuesday night, the Spaniard confirmed: “Jorrel, no, but Pep Chavarria, yes.”
“Chelsea” can be without him Reece James, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and He wants Malo this weekend.
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Carrick will have to make do without six players for the trip to the capital Benjamin Sesco among those who are not.
Sesko suffered a major blow this week as Carrick confirmed the frontman is out for a long period of time.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the United coach said: “Yes, unfortunately it looks like Ben will be out for a while. We don’t know exactly how long he will be out, but it will be longer.
“It was a process, like I told you before, we had to go through a bit of a healing process to see how the injury would react and where it would go with that. We’re still working on it.
“But it’s unfortunate for Ben, first of all, the period he’s had and trying to get through it and trying to get through it again. And it’s obviously a blow for us that he’s not available, but we’re going to try and get him back, get him back as soon as we can.”
Kobbie Mainoo While Carrick admitted the England international only completed limited training this week, he could be in line for a return to action this weekend – which is positive news for the Red Devils.
The device may arrive very quickly Marcus Rashfordwith Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Manuel Ugarte He is also expected to sit out the match against the Blues.