Chelsea's Lacroix hurt as Blues prepare for United at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea centre-half Maxence Lacroix is a doubt for Saturday's home match against Manchester United after pulling up with a hamstring complaint in Wednesday night's Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool at Anfield. The Blues were eliminated 7-6 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Lacroix was tracking Cody Gakpo shortly before halftime when he stopped, walked off clutching the back of his thigh and gave way to Levi Colwill.

Xabi Alonso, the Chelsea manager, said the extent of the problem is not yet known. 'Too early to tell. Probably he felt something on the hamstrings,' Alonso said after the match. 'And we need a couple of days to check what's going to be the injury.' The France international joined from Crystal Palace this summer for 52 million pounds and has played the full 90 minutes in seven of Chelsea's eight Premier League games, more than any other player in the squad. He has also started every round of the Carabao Cup campaign.

United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon with Michael Carrick still in charge in Manchester. Chelsea will also be missing Joao Pedro, out with a thigh injury, and Reece James. First-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is recovering from jaw surgery.

Cole Palmer returns to the squad after serving a one-game suspension for the red card he drew against Tottenham. He missed Wednesday's cup tie at Anfield.

Alonso said he will assess Lacroix during the week before deciding on his availability.