Xabi Alonso has spoken to the press ahead of Chelsea's clash against Manchester United.
Xabi Alonso in Chelsea training.
Xabi Alonso in Chelsea training.(Image: Chelsea FC)
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Xabi Alonso has provided an injury update ahead of Chelsea's clash against Manchester United. The Blues will be without a few big names when they face Michael Carrick's side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, but it's not all doom and gloom.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham Training Ground on Friday afternoon, the Chelsea manager began by announcing that Maxence Lacroix will be sidelined for 'few weeks'. The Blues defender appeared to suffer a hamstring problem during Tuesday night's clash against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
In the final moments of the first half, he pulled up, clutching the back of his left thigh. Alonso said: "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."
Moises Caicedo also sustained a 'little problem' at Anfield, which led to his departure midway through the second half. But, despite fears that the Chelsea midfielder could miss the clash against United, Alonso confirmed: "No issue. He's okay for tomorrow."
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Then, when asked whether Emiliano Martinez, who's currently recovering from surgery on a fractured jaw, could be back between the sticks before the upcoming international break, the Blues manager said: "There's a chance.
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"We still need to wait until next week, but there's a chance," added Alonso. "In case he's ready to play, he will probably need a face mask."
And on Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria, who were both left out of the matchday squad on Tuesday night, the Spaniard said: "Jorrel, no, but Pep Chavarria, yes."
Alonso provided an update on Aaron Anselmino, too. The Chelsea defender has only been named in the matchday squad once this season, appearing on the bench in the second round of the Carabao Cup back in August.
"He's not available yet," said the Blues gaffer. "He's had a few injuries. It will take a few weeks until he is fully fit."
Aaron Anselmino
Aaron Anselmino suffered an injury for Chelsea in pre-season and hasn't featured since.(Image: Darrian Traynor)
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Unlike Michael Carrick, who has had the entire week to prepare for the game, Alonso has only had a few hours with his squad at Cobham Training Ground.
When quizzed on his side's preparations for the match, the Chelsea boss said: "Mentally, yes, physically, we've had one day of working. This is the Premier League; sometimes you don't get what you want."
Alonso added: "I saw a better version of us on Wednesday than I did on Saturday, even if it wasn't a good result either. This is going to be a journey; we need to learn from our tough moments."