Jorrel Hato will miss Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge with a back problem. His absence takes another regular out of a Chelsea defence already without Maxence Lacroix, Aaron Anselmino and Reece James.

Jorrel Hato will miss Saturday’s lunchtime game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. Xabi Alonso told his pre-match press conference that a back problem has left the defender not feeling right for the game. The club has not said how long he will be out.

The 20-year-old Dutch defender has been a fixture under Alonso. He has been in the starting line-up for six of Chelsea’s eight league games. He did not travel to Liverpool for the midweek Carabao Cup tie.

Chavarria back in contention to fill left wing-back role

Pep Chavarria offers some relief. He has missed Chelsea’s last three matches but is fit again. He is expected to take Hato’s place at left wing-back.

There was better news on Moises Caicedo. He came off in the second half at Anfield, but Alonso reported no problem. The midfielder can play against United.

Chelsea need a response. Tottenham beat 10-man Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on 24 October, with Cole Palmer sent off. The Carabao Cup run then ended in the fourth round. Morgan Rogers scored a 40th-minute penalty at Anfield before Cody Gakpo equalised from the spot in the 43rd minute. The tie finished 1-1, and Liverpool won the shootout 6-5. Wesley Fofana missed the decisive kick.

Set pieces remain a concern. Chelsea have conceded eight Premier League goals from set pieces this season, twice as many as any other team, according to The Analyst.

Injuries leave Alonso short of defenders

Hato joins a growing list of absent defenders. Captain Reece James had successful minor surgery on his knee, the club announced on 16 October. Martínez is also unavailable.

Aaron Anselmino is still out after several injuries. It will be a few weeks before he is fully fit, and the club is being careful with him.

With Lacroix injured, Alonso named Fofana and Levi Colwill as his centre-back options. Josh Acheampong could also play there. Hato would be another option once he returns. That leaves Chavarria, Colwill, Fofana and Acheampong as the likely defensive picks against United.

The visitors are struggling. Michael Carrick’s side have gone eight games without a win in all competitions, with three draws and five defeats. Their last win came against Sabah in the Champions League on 10 September. They arrive after two heavy defeats in a row: 4-1 to Como and 3-0 to Bournemouth.

History offers Chelsea less comfort. They have won only two of their last 17 Premier League meetings with United.

The defensive picture is unlikely to ease soon. Lacroix picked up a hamstring problem in Wednesday’s game at Anfield, and Alonso does not expect him back before the international break.