Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League outing this weekend, Xabi Alonso faced the media and gave updates on a number of his squad’s injuries. On the early kickoff on Saturday, his team will play Manchester United in a game that has gained some steam as both managers are facing the problems that come with poor runs of form. The latest on injuries is not good for Alonso who is going to be without a number of players across the field.
Chelsea Without Maxence Lacroix for Manchester United Clash
Pep Chavarria injury update
REUTERS
Chelsea Injury Update vs Manchester United
Maxence Lacroix went down with a non-contact injury against Liverpool which will see him miss a significant portion of time. At left-back, it has also been confirmed that Jorrel Hato won’t be available for this one. That is a blow as the former Ajax man can play as a left-back, attacking left-sided defender, or left centre-back; this versatility could have been useful here with Lacroix out and allowed for Levi Colwill to be more of a CCB.
Pep Chavarria is deemed fit to play and could be employed in the left-back spot. Other absentees include Emi Martinez, Reece James, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens who have been absent for multiple matches.
The Last Word
Hato being out will be an issue for Alonso. The Dutch defender has been hailed as a “beast” for his mix of skills that allows him to play on the left side of the back line or more centrally. He has technical abilities to help play through a press and defensive prowess. His absence alone isn’t crippling, but not having him or Lacroix leaves the team short on reliable defensive options, particularly after the mental blow to Wesley Fofana of missing the deciding penalty in midweek.
On the bright side, Chavarria is back fit which means there won’t be a need to play Malo Gusto on the wrong wing, something that was ineffective against Liverpool despite the space afforded to the Frenchman.
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