Chelsea’s injury worries seem set to intensify, amid fears Maxence Lacroix could remain sidelined with a hamstring injury until the new year.

The France international started in the heart of defence as the Blues faced Liverpool on Wednesday night, but was forced off shortly before half-time after pulling up, with the match level at 1-1.

He received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Levi Colwill.

Chelsea have refused to put a definitive timeframe on his return to action, with Xabi Alonso saying on Friday that he is simply facing “a few weeks out”.

He added: “He picked up an injury, and we expect that he's not going to be ready before the international break.”

But fears are growing that he has suffered a more sinister issue which could leave him sidelined until January.

Maxence Lacroix hobbles off after injuring his hamstring against Liverpool

Getty

This would come as a major blow for Alonso’s Chelsea. Lacroix has been involved in all eleven of the club’s matches this season, after arriving from Crystal Palace in the summer.

If his worst fears are realised and he does not return until January 2027, Lacroix could stand to miss as many as 15 matches, starting with Manchester United’s visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

He joins the likes of Reece James, Joao Pedro, Aaron Anselmino and Jorrel Hato on the treatment table.

In Lacroix’s absence, his countryman Wesley Fofana seems set to play a more significant role in the team. The centre-back has been peripheral for much of this season but will be bumped up the pecking order by this injury.

Hato is also capable of playing at centre-back when fit, as is Anselmino, though both are presently sidelined. Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong complete the Chelsea centre-back corps.