Fears Chelsea's Lacroix could be out until January

What the report says

Chelsea are fearing a lengthy absence for defender Maxence Lacroix after he sustained a serious hamstring injury in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool on penalties, according to BBC Sport. The 26-year-old France international was hurt near the end of the first half while sprinting to try to block a shot. BBC Sport reports that multiple sources at the club believe he could be sidelined until January, which would rule him out for a significant run of matches.

Manager Xabi Alonso said before Chelsea’s Premier League trip to Manchester United that Lacroix was unlikely to return before the international break and would be out for several weeks. BBC Sport notes that Chelsea have been cautious publicly about giving a full recovery timeline. The injury is a setback for Alonso, who has relied heavily on Lacroix since his summer move from Crystal Palace. He has started 10 of Chelsea’s 11 games in all competitions this season.

The report says Chelsea have options in central defence, including Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Josh Acheampong, while Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino are also listed as alternatives but are themselves injured. BBC Sport also reported that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is having a special mask fitted after a broken jaw, while Moises Caicedo avoided injury concerns from the Liverpool match. Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League after eight games.