Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend knowing that a difficult away fixture could prove important to their Premier League season.

Michael Carrick’s side have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, with their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford adding to the pressure to respond.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will be eager to recover from their own disappointing domestic results and make home advantage count.

Saturday’s meeting also gives both managers an opportunity to assess their squads after a demanding run of matches.

With the season still developing, availability could become just as important as tactical decisions in deciding the outcome.

United will be hoping to take advantage of any weaknesses in their opponents’ preparations.

Chelsea defender suffers injury days before Manchester United game

However, Chelsea have been dealt another potential setback after Maxence Lacroix was forced off injured during their Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool, leaving Xabi Alonso waiting for further medical assessments.

The match finished 1-1 before Liverpool won 6-5 on penalties, with Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo scoring from the spot during normal time.

Maxence Lacroix appeared to suffer a hamstring problem while tracking Gakpo and was replaced by Levi Colwill before half-time.

Alonso offered a cautious assessment after the game, saying, “Too early to tell. Probably he felt something on the hamstrings.

“And we need a couple of days to check what’s going to be the injury.”

The uncertainty comes at an awkward time for Chelsea, with Lacroix having established himself as a regular since arriving from Crystal Palace in the summer.

He has featured in all eight of the club’s Premier League matches so far, making him an important part of Alonso’s defensive plans.

Chelsea are also without Joao Pedro, who has been ruled out for a few weeks with a thigh injury.

Alonso previously said, “He has an injury in his thigh and he’s going to be out for a few weeks. Let’s see how many; we don’t want to predict that. But he will not be ready for the next games.”

Reece James and Jamie Gittens have also been among Chelsea’s injury absentees, while Cole Palmer missed the Liverpool tie through suspension.

United’s visit on Saturday could arrive at a useful moment, although Lacroix’s availability will only become clearer after further checks.