Maxence Lacroix: Chelsea hit with injury blow as star forced off early against Liverpool

Lacroix pulled up with a hamstring injury in the 45th minute and was replaced by Colwill; Chelsea already missing Joao Pedro, Reece James and Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix was forced off shortly before half-time of the Carabao Cup match against Liverpool with an apparent hamstring injury. The Frenchman pulled up while chasing Cody Gakpo through the centre of the park shortly after Liverpool's equaliser made it 1-1, going down off the ball and receiving treatment before being replaced by Levi Colwill. Lacroix hobbled back to the changing rooms clutching the back of his left thigh, bearing a concerned expression.

It is a fresh fitness blow for Chelsea, who were already without Joao Pedro, Reece James and Jamie Gittens heading into the match at Liverpool, with Cole Palmer also unavailable through suspension. Lacroix has been a key player this season since signing from Crystal Palace in the summer, appearing in all eight Premier League matches and both Carabao Cup fixtures so far. Manager Xabi Alonso is expected to provide an update on his condition after the match.