Heart of Lions Overview

Chelsea’s injury problems have gone from bad to worse after Maxence Lacroix was forced to withdraw during their Carabao Cup showdown against Liverpool. The French defender appeared to suffer a hamstring issue during the first half at Anfield, adding further strain to Xabi Alonso’s already depleted squad.

Injury to a key defender for France ahead of the clash with Italy

Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has urged patience regarding the development of Estevao after the teenage sensation was again left on the sidelines during the Blues' Carabao Cup exit against Liverpool. Despite growing clamour from the Stamford Bridge faithful to see more of the Brazilian forward, Alonso insists that the player is still adapting to the unique physical requirements of English football.

Penalty shoot-outs make anything possible: that's how the Chelsea manager put it