Chelsea fans have received an update on the status of key defender Maxence Lacroix after he was forced off in their Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool in mid-week.

The France international will miss the league encounter with Manchester United, with scans revealing that he suffered a hamstring muscle tear.

He will spend weeks on the sidelines, with the situation now requiring Blues manager Xabi Alonso to look for alternatives within his squad.

Lacroix will also be unavailable for selection by France coach Zinedine Zidane for next month's UEFA Nations League games.

Hamstring tear confirmed: Why Maxence Lacroix faces a spell on the sidelines

Maxence Lacroix’s setback occurred during a sprinting duel prior to half-time against Liverpool, shortly after Cody Gakpo fired the Reds level from the penalty spot.

Alonso was forced into a change as the former Crystal Palace man clutched his hamstring, with Levi Colwill replacing him as he hobbled off the pitch, accompanied by a physio.

Journalist Fabrice Hawkins revealed that following detailed examinations, medical reports confirmed a muscular tear that will rule the Frenchman out of Sunday's high-stakes Premier League clash with Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, as well as France's upcoming international fixtures in November.

Alonso provided a confirmation during his press conference, stating that the defender faces a few weeks out injured.

"Max picked up an injury and we expect he is not going to be ready before the international break. He will be a few weeks out."

Mounting selection headaches for Xabi Alonso ahead of United tie

The injury to Lacroix provides Alonso with a new problem ahead of the weekend, as it adds to a growing list of key absentees across Chelsea's spine.

Club captain Reece James is out with a knee injury, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is out of action after jaw surgery and Joao Pedro is out with a thigh problem.

With Lacroix having established himself as a reliable fixture in central defense, the former Real Madrid tactician will have to devise a means to play without him.

The 26-year-old has been a key player for the club since his £55 million move from Crystal Palace in the summer, with Alonso hailing him for his leadership.

He has played 11 times for the club across all competitions, starting in ten of those appearances this term.

In his absence, Alonso can look to call on his compatriot Wesley Fofana to play at the heart of the backline.

Other options include academy graduates Josh Acheampong and Tayo Subuloye, as well as Jorrel Hato or Aaron Anselmino.

With the side having kept just one clean sheet in the Premier League all season, they will seek to stabilize their defensive structure against Michael Carrick's Red Devils.