Alonso says Caicedo fit for Man United; Lacroix out past break
Xabi Alonso has given team news ahead of facing Manchester United, with Moises Caicedo available, Maxence Lacroix out until after the international break and a possible early return for Emi Martinez.
On Friday afternoon, Xabi Alonso provided team news, with Moises Caicedo expected to be available to face Manchester United, while Maxence Lacroix will not return until after the international break because of a hamstring issue, according to Ben Jacobs.
The reporting indicates Caicedo should be in contention for the United fixture, easing doubts over the Ecuador international’s condition and strengthening options in midfield for the forthcoming match.
Lacroix’s hamstring problem removes him from selection in the short term and sets a clear timeframe: he is not due back before club football pauses for international duty, which rules him out of the immediate programme.
The same report adds that Alonso sees a possibility of Emi Martinez returning before the break, a cautiously positive update that keeps the goalkeeper in contention if his recovery progresses as hoped. That phrasing points to hope rather than certainty at this stage.
Taken together, the updates sketch a mixed picture for Alonso’s squad ahead of the meeting with Manchester United: midfield resources look set to be reinforced, while defensive options are thinned until the calendar resumes after the international window.
These are manager’s remarks rather than an official medical bulletin, but they offer the clearest public guidance on availability offered so far. No further specifics were given on the exact severity of Lacroix’s injury or the particular fixture Martinez might target for a return.