Chelsea hand Estevao a surprise start in today’s Premier League showdown with Manchester United, while Cole Palmer returns from suspension.

Palmer missed Wednesday night’s agonising Carabao Cup fourth round defeat by Liverpool on penalties as he served a one-match ban following his late dismissal in the 2-0 loss to Tottenham last weekend.

On a disappointing evening at Anfield, Maxence Lacroix left the pitch with a hamstring injury just before half-time, and manager Xabi Alonso revealed in his pre-United press conference that the defender is likely to be sidelined until after the November international break.

Subsequent reports have emerged suggesting that Chelsea fear Lacroix may not play again until the New Year.

“Max, he picked up an injury, and we expect that he's not going to be ready before the international break,” Alonso said on Friday. “So he will be a few weeks out.”

Summer signing Lacroix is the latest Chelsea player to succumb to injury in recent weeks, with captain Reece James ruled out until January following knee surgery and star striker Joao Pedro also sidelined with a thigh issue.

Alonso said that he expected Joao Pedro to miss “a few weeks” as he continues his recovery.

Huge blow: Maxence Lacroix limped off during Chelsea’s midweek defeat at Liverpool

PA

“He has an injury to his thigh, and he is going to be out for a few weeks,” Alonso said ahead of the Liverpool defeat.

“Let’s see how many. We don’t want to predict on that, but he is not ready for the next games.”

Malo Gusto and Moises Caicedo are both fit to face Manchester United after playing through pain at Anfield. Pep Chavarria is back on the bench, but Jorrel Hato remains sidelined.

There is some positive news in the goalkeeping department, with Emi Martinez expected to make an earlier-than-expected return from a broken jaw.

The Argentina international has seen a specialist about getting a face mask fitted after undergoing surgery on the injury, which he suffered following a sickening accidental collision with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

“Yes, there is a chance,” Alonso said of Martinez potentially returning before the international break. “We need to still wait for next week, but let's see how things go. But there is a chance.”

Winger Jamie Gittens is still out with an ankle injury picked up with England’s Under-21s during the last international break, while Jordan Henderson is a surprise omission from the matchday squad.

Chelsea XI vs Manchester United: Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Fofana; Neto, Caicedo, Lavia, Palestra; Palmer, Estevao; Rogers

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Gusto, Subuloye, Chavarria, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Quenda, Welbeck, Emegha

Injured: Martinez, Lacroix, Joao Pedro, James, Hato, Gittens

Time and date: 12:30pm GMT on Saturday October 31, 2026

Venue: Stamford Bridge

How to watch: TNT Sports