Fears Chelsea's Lacroix could be out until January

Chelsea fear defender Maxence Lacroix is set for a lengthy lay-off after suffering a serious hamstring injury.

Multiple sources have told BBC Sport that the France international, 26, could be out until January, meaning he could miss up to 10 matches.

The setback occurred at the end of the first half of Wednesday's Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool on penalties, as Lacroix sprinted and attempted to block a shot.

Sources inside Chelsea, including manager Xabi Alonso, have been guarded on the length of the absence.

When asked about Lacroix's injury at his media conference before Saturday's Premier League visit of 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.