Chelsea are dealing with an injury scare after Maxence Lacroix suffered a hamstring tear and was forced off just before half-time during their Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool, which ended with Liverpool winning on penalties. Multiple outlets report that the centre-back, signed from Crystal Palace in the summer, is now expected to be unavailable for upcoming matches.
Xabi Alonso is quoted by several outlets saying Lacroix is not expected to be ready before the international break, describing him as “a few weeks out.” Metro adds further injury details, saying some reports suggest a grade three hamstring tear that could take eight to 12 weeks to heal and leave him potentially sidelined until after Christmas. Other coverage focuses on the immediate impact for Premier League scheduling, including the visit to Manchester United and the next fixture against Sunderland.
A few outlets also frame the broader squad picture around Alonso’s selection issues. Metro lists other absences and possible returns, while Yahoo Sports and Soccer News emphasise the depth of Chelsea’s injury concerns following the Liverpool exit.
