Chelsea fear Maxence Lacroix could be out until January

Chelsea fear defender Maxence Lacroix will be sidelined for a long spell after he suffered a serious hamstring injury in midweek. Multiple sources told BBC Sport that the France international could be absent until January, a spell that might cost him up to 10 matches.

Lacroix was hurt late in the first half of Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool on penalties, pulling up as he raced across to block a shot. Those inside the club, manager Xabi Alonso among them, have been cautious about how long he will be missing, with the manager saying only that the defender faces a few weeks out.

The setback hits Alonso hard, since the summer signing from Crystal Palace had started all but one of Chelsea's matches across all competitions this season. Only Morgan Rogers has spent more time on the pitch for the club this term.

Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and Josh Acheampong are the remaining centre-back options, because Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino are injured as well. Alonso said that Fofana had played well against Liverpool even though he missed his kick in the shootout. The manager added that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is being fitted with a special mask to play through a broken jaw, while Moises Caicedo escaped injury.

Defensive cover matters for a side who have kept only one clean sheet in their eight Premier League matches. Chelsea, who are without a win in their last two matches, host Manchester United on Saturday at 19:30 Thai time.