Fears Chelsea’s Lacroix could be out until January

Chelsea fear Maxence Lacroix could miss several weeks after suffering a serious hamstring injury, with reports suggesting he may be unavailable until January. The possible absence would deprive manager Xabi Alonso of a defender who has started 10 of Chelsea’s 11 matches this season.

Lacroix was injured while trying to block a shot in the first half of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool, which Chelsea lost on penalties. Alonso said the 26-year-old would be out for at least a few weeks; an absence until January could mean missing up to 10 games. Chelsea have other centre-backs available, though Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino are also injured. The club are fifth in the league with 13 points from eight matches and have kept one clean sheet.