Chelsea fear defender Maxence Lacroix could be sidelined until January after suffering a serious hamstring injury during their Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool.

The France international, who joined the Blues from Crystal Palace for £52million in the summer, could miss up to 10 matches after picking up the problem during Wednesday’s penalty shootout defeat.

Manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed Lacroix will be unavailable until at least after the international break, although reports suggest his absence could extend considerably longer.

Lacroix sustained the injury towards the end of the first half against Liverpool while sprinting to block a shot.

The 26-year-old has been a regular under Alonso this season, starting all but one of Chelsea’s 11 matches across all competitions.

Only Morgan Rogers has played more minutes for the Blues, making his potential absence a significant setback ahead of a busy period.

Asked about the defender’s condition before Saturday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United, Alonso said: “Max, he picked up an injury, and we expect that he’s not going to be ready before the international break. So he will be a few weeks out.”

Chelsea boss discusses defensive replacements ahead of Man Utd clash

Alonso must now consider his alternatives at centre-back, with Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino also currently unavailable through injury.

Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are among the options available to the Chelsea manager.

“With Max’s injury, we have Wes, we have Levi [Colwill], Josh [Acheampong], he could play as well as centre-back,” Alonso explained.

“Jorrel when he is back with the team [is an option]. Wes has played [and] even if he missed the penalty [in the shootout], I think that he had a good game.

“He was consistent, he was strong and I saw many positives from his performance. We know the level that he has had and he’s going to be important.”

Alonso also confirmed goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is having a protective mask fitted as he recovers from a broken jaw.