Chelsea lose Maxence Lacroix for a few weeks before Manchester United visit

Chelsea will be without Maxence Lacroix when Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday 31 October, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 GMT. The club said Xabi Alonso does not expect the centre-back back before the international break because of a hamstring issue. Alonso said he will be "a few weeks out". The rating prior, built from Premier League results in 2025-26 and 2026-27, gives Chelsea a 36% chance of winning in regulation time. It rates a draw at 28% and a Manchester United win at 37%. The forecast leans toward Chelsea not winning, which fits that prior. A draw counts the same as a United win for that outcome. Chelsea have gains and losses. Cole Palmer is available again after a one-match ban, and Moises Caicedo is available for selection, the club said. Joao Pedro is reported to be out with a thigh injury, so Morgan Rogers or Danny Welbeck could lead the line. Official Premier League material notes Rogers has scored or assisted in five of his eight league appearances for Chelsea. United have their own problems. Reports indicate Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw are out, though Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martínez and Matheus Cunha are expected to return. The Premier League also notes United have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, and they lost 3-0 to Bournemouth last weekend. Lineups are not confirmed. Watch who Alonso picks to replace Lacroix, because that choice matters most for whether Chelsea can turn their attacking strength into a win.