Chelsea is concerned that Maxence Lacroix could be unavailable until January after suffering a serious hamstring injury. The 26-year-old defender may miss up to 10 matches, according to multiple sources who spoke to BBC Sport.
The injury happened shortly before half-time in Wednesday's Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool, which Chelsea lost on penalties. Lacroix was attempting to block a shot after sprinting when he picked up the problem.
Maxence Lacroix injury leaves Chelsea facing long absence
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has been cautious when discussing the defender's recovery timeline. Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Manchester United, he said Lacroix would not be available before the international break and was expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines.
The potential absence is a significant setback for Alonso. The £52m summer signing from Crystal Palace has started 10 of Chelsea's 11 matches across all competitions this season, with only Morgan Rogers playing more minutes for the club.
Chelsea centre-back options after Lacroix's setback
Chelsea have several potential replacements in their centre-back group, including Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Josh Acheampong. However, Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino are also currently injured, leaving Alonso with fewer available options.
The manager backed Fofana after the Liverpool match, despite the defender missing his penalty in the shootout. Alonso praised his overall performance, describing him as consistent and strong, and said he would be important for the team.
Alonso also confirmed that Emiliano Martinez is having a special mask fitted to allow him to play while recovering from a broken jaw. Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo avoided injury despite concerns following the midweek game.
Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League with 13 points from eight matches but have recorded just one clean sheet during that run.