A frustrating night for Xabi Alonso. Returning to Anfield, Chelsea played well against an in-form Liverpool but ultimately lost on penalties – and Maxence Lacroix limped off injured.

Before the game, Xabi Alonso confirmed Joao Pedro would be out for a few weeks. It is expected Pedro will be out until after the international break, joining Reece James, Emi Martinez and other injured players.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw. Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo scored penalties two minutes apart, and the game went to penalties. A total of 16 were taken, with Liverpool eventually winning 6-5.

Glen Johnson delivers worrying Maxence Lacroix verdict

Just before half-time, Liverpool were looking to score a second, and with Lacroix backpedalling, replays showed the France international clutching his hamstring. A desperate blow for Chelsea amid the injuries.

Levi Colwill replaced the former Crystal Palace defender, but there was instant concern as Lacroix walked off slowly. On ITV Sport at half-time, ex-Blues star Glen Johnson said he took a while to get to the tunnel.

“He’s been the main reason they look more consistent. It looks bad; we saw him walk off. It took him a while to get round. You can hide a hamstring, but it looked pretty bad. Hopefully not as bad as it looks.”

Chelsea down to the bare bones after Lacroix injury

Even if Lacroix’s hamstring injury is a small one, the chances are he is going to remain absent for the two games before the international break. Chelsea host Man United on Saturday, and go to Sunderland.

It leaves Alonso with Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill at centre-back. Josh Acheampong can play as a right-sided centre-back, but the youngster has been impressing in his hybrid right-back role.

Jorrel Hato has also played at centre-back and impressed there last season under Liam Rosenior, and then Calum McFarlane. But Hato has largely been used as a left-sided wing-back since Alonso was appointed.

It could be a chance for Tayo Subuloye to stake a claim for a place in Chelsea’s side. Subuloye was among the substitutes on Wednesday night, alongside U21 teammate Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, but remained unused.