Alonso says Lacroix will miss several weeks with hamstring injury

Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix will be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury and is not expected to return before the international break, manager Xabi Alonso said. His precise recovery time has not been confirmed, despite reports suggesting the absence could last until January. Lacroix was forced off shortly before half-time during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, after appearing to hurt his hamstring while chasing an opponent. Levi Colwill replaced him. Chelsea lost the match on penalties and exited the competition. Speaking before Chelsea’s Premier League match against Manchester United, Alonso said Lacroix would not be ready before the international break and would be out for a few weeks. The club’s prognosis beyond that timeframe remains unstated. Reports that he could miss up to 10 matches or remain sidelined until January are projections, not a confirmed medical assessment from Alonso. The injury removes a regular centre-back from Chelsea’s options. Lacroix, who joined from Crystal Palace in the summer, had started all but one of the club’s 11 matches across competitions this season, according to reports. His absence comes as Chelsea...