Joao Pedro out for weeks, Lacroix hurt as Chelsea face Man Utd

📰 Chelsea face Manchester United with injuries to Joao Pedro and Maxence Lacroix. 📌 Key points 🤕 Joao Pedro hurt his thigh in training and will miss a few weeks. 📉 Chelsea lost both games he missed, against Brentford and Tottenham. 🦵 Lacroix went off before half-time at Liverpool with a hamstring problem. 🟦 Cole Palmer is back from suspension for Manchester United. 🏟️ Chelsea v Manchester United kicks off at 12.30pm (UK) on 31 October at Stamford Bridge. 📝 What happened 🤕 Joao Pedro injured his thigh in training on 23 October and was a surprise absentee against Tottenham. Xabi Alonso said: "He has an injury in his thigh and he's going to be out for a few weeks. But he will not be ready for the next games." Further tests will show the exact extent. 🗣️ Alonso added: "It's disappointing, but we need to carry on. This is why you build a squad." Chelsea lost both matches Joao Pedro missed, against Brentford and Tottenham (0-2). 🦵 In the Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool on 28 October, Maxence Lacroix was replaced by Levi Colwill before half-time with a hamstring problem. Alonso said: "It's too early to tell how serious it is," adding that the assessment would take a couple of days. Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto also came off after 68 minutes, Caicedo with minor problems and Gusto with cramp. 🟦 Cole Palmer, who missed the Liverpool tie after his red card against Tottenham, has served his ban and is available against United. Emmanuel Emegha, who made his debut at Anfield after a hamstring injury, is another attacking option. 📊 By the numbers • Chelsea without Joao Pedro: played 2, lost 2 • Chelsea: fifth on 13 points • Manchester United: 16th on 7 points 🔭 Why it matters Chelsea lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham and went out of the Carabao Cup on penalties at Liverpool. Possibly without their first-choice striker and a key centre-back, they host a United side without a win in eight games on 31 October. Another defeat would add to the questions over Alonso's side.