Xabi Alonso sets date for Maxence Lacroix return after defender picks up hamstring injury

Chelsea have lost another defender to injury, with Frenchman Maxence Lacroix now set to miss a few weeks at least.

Player by player, Chelsea are creeping towards an injury crisis, or at the very least an injury semi-crisis.

The latest to go down was Maxence Lacroix, who pulled up lame on Wednesday night against Liverpool. The centre back limped gingerly around the pitch to the tunnel holding his hamstring, and we knew right away he wasn’t going to be back anytime soon.

Xabi Alonso didn’t have much information after the game, but in his press conference today he was able to confirm the issue in a little more detail, including giving a timeline for Lacroix’s return.

“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,” the Chelsea coach reported.

Chelsea defender missing until late November

Lacroix being out for a few weeks is a real blow to the team. They’re already missing Reece James as a centre back or full back option, Pep Chavarria as a full back, and nobody knows what’s going on with Aaron Anselmino.

Wesley Fofana wasn’t getting in the league team in recent weeks, so he’s the immediate beneficiary. Josh Acheampong is also now guaranteed even more minutes.

In other news…

Emi Martinez is racing to be fit as soon as possible after breaking his jaw – but he won’t be ready for tomorrow.

Xabi Alonso’s comments about the importance of the Carabao Cup have not been well received by Chelsea fans.

Emmanuel Emegha got his first competitive minutes for Chelsea on Wednesday, and could play an important role on Saturday.