Xabi Alonso confirms Emi Martinez boost and Moises Caicedo injury latest in five-man Chelsea update

Xabi Alonso has also provided updates on Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has delivered an update on Moises Caicedo, Maxence Lacroix and Emi Martinez ahead of Saturday’s Premier League showdown against Manchester United.

Caicedo started Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup penalty shootout loss to Liverpool but was replaced by Valentin Barco with just over 20 minutes remaining at Anfield.

It was subsequently revealed by Alonso that the midfielder had been dealing with “little problems” during the game.

Lacroix, meanwhile, was forced off in first half stoppage-time against Liverpool after pulling up with a suspected hamstring injury as he tracked the run of Cody Gakpo.

Chelsea are next in action at Saturday lunchtime when they welcome Man United to Stamford Bridge and Alonso has provided an injury update on the pair.

Speaking on Friday, the Blues boss said of Caicedo: “No issue, he is ok for tomorrow.

Alonso has also confirmed that summer signing Pep Chavarria is set to return to the matchday squad but fellow defender Jorrel Hato will remain sidelined.

Ruled out: Maxence Lacroix

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Standard Sport understands, there is optimism Martinez could be back fit ahead of schedule after undergoing surgery for a broken jaw suffered in the 2-0 win over Everton.

The Argentina international will miss the showdown against Man United, but he could return to action before the international break.

“Yes there is a chance,” Alonso confirmed. “We still need to wait until next week, but there’s a chance.”