Chelsea fear lengthy Lacroix absence after hamstring injury

Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix faces several weeks out after sustaining a hamstring injury, with BBC Sport reporting that his absence could extend until January. The France international was hurt during Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool, leaving manager Xabi Alonso without a player who has been a regular starter since arriving in the summer.

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BBC Sport reporters Nizaar Kinsella and Sami Mokbel said multiple sources had indicated the 26-year-old could miss as many as 10 matches. That longer timeframe has not been confirmed by Chelsea. Speaking at his media conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against Manchester United, Alonso said Lacroix was not expected to return before the international break and would be unavailable for a few weeks.

The injury occurred near the end of the first half against Liverpool as Lacroix sprinted and tried to block a shot. Chelsea went on to lose the tie in a penalty shootout. Lacroix joined from Crystal Palace for £52m and has started 10 of Chelsea's 11 matches in all competitions this season. According to the BBC report, only Morgan Rogers has played more for the club during that period.

Alonso identified Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong as options to cover at centre-back. Chelsea also have Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino in their six-player central defensive group, but both are currently injured. The manager said Hato would become an option when he returned to the squad, while some members of the group have also been used at full-back.

Fofana received backing from Alonso despite missing a penalty in the Liverpool shootout. The Chelsea manager praised his defensive performance, describing him as consistent and strong, and said he expected him to play an important role. Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League with 13 points from eight matches, having recorded only one clean sheet in those games.

Alonso also provided updates on two other players following the midweek cup exit. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is being fitted with a special mask so he can play while recovering from a broken jaw. Midfielder Moises Caicedo, meanwhile, avoided injury despite concerns after the Liverpool match, according to the BBC's account of the manager's briefing.