Chelsea's injury problems deepened during Wednesday's Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool, with Maxence Lacroix forced off before half-time. The defender joins Joao Pedro, Emi Martinez, Reece James and Jamie Gittens in the treatment room, while Cole Palmer has now served his one-match suspension from the red card received against Tottenham.
Lacroix and Joao Pedro Updates
Lacroix, a regular for Chelsea this season, pulled up while tracking Cody Gakpo and could not complete the first half. Speaking at full-time, Xabi Alonso said: "Too early to tell. Probably he felt something on the hamstrings. And we need a couple of days to check what's going to be the injury."
Joao Pedro, meanwhile, is set to miss a "few weeks" with a thigh issue, indicating a return after the November international break. The Brazilian was injured in training before the Tottenham game, which Chelsea lost 2-0. Alonso said: "He has an injury of his thigh and he is going to be out for a few weeks. Let's see how many. We don't want to predict on that, but he is not ready for the next games."
Martinez, James and Gittens Sidelined
Emi Martinez remains out for multiple weeks after surgery on a fractured jaw sustained in a collision at Everton. Alonso said: "Emi is doing better. He had the surgery and day by day he is feeling better, but we still need to wait. A few weeks. Hopefully, less than more, but we need to wait."
Reece James is expected to be unavailable for approximately three months after a specialist recommended surgery for a knee issue, while Jamie Gittens is facing weeks out with an ankle injury picked up on England Under-21s duty.
Return Dates
Lacroix's potential return date is unknown, while Joao Pedro could return on November 21 against Leeds. Martinez is targeting mid-November, James mid-January, and Gittens early November. Pep Chavarria, who has returned to some team training, could be available for the Manchester United clash on October 31.
