"Max 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," Alonso told reporters.

A costly absence for Alonso

Lacroix has been one of Alonso's most-used players this season, starting 10 of Chelsea's 11 competitive matches since his £52 million arrival from Crystal Palace in the summer. Only attacker Morgan Rogers has logged more minutes for the club.

The injury leaves Chelsea's centre-back options stretched. The club nominally have a six-man defensive group in Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato, and Aaron Anselmino — but Hato and Anselmino are themselves currently unavailable through injury.

Alonso confirmed Fofana and Colwill will carry the bulk of the defensive responsibility, with Acheampong also able to fill in at centre-back. He praised Fofana's display against Liverpool despite the midfielder's missed penalty in the shootout: "He was consistent, he was strong and I saw many positives from his performance."

Further fitness news

Alonso also confirmed that goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is being fitted with a protective mask to enable him to return to action while recovering from a broken jaw. Midfielder Moises Caicedo, who raised concerns after the midweek fixture, has been cleared of any injury.

Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League with 13 points from eight matches, though their defensive record remains a concern — Alonso's side have kept only one clean sheet in that stretch.