Xabi Alonso sitting in the dugout
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Chelsea could be without their star defender, Maxence Lacroix, when they host Manchester United this weekend.
The French international rose to prominence during his stint at Wolfsburg between 2020 and 2024, before joining Crystal Palace.
Last summer, the Blues spent £52 million to buy him from their fellow Londoners, and he immediately established himself as a key player at Stamford Bridge, operating at the heart of Xabi Alonso’s backline.
Maxence Lacroix hurt himself in Liverpool vs Chelsea game
Maxence Lacroix leaving the pitch in agony
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, Lacroix started in the Carabao Cup showdown between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield. The West Londoners were eliminated after falling short in the penalty shootout.
However, the Frenchman had to leave the pitch for Levi Colwill at the end of the first half after sustaining a knock.
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Lacroix’s Stats in 26/27 Appearances Minutes Goals Assists
Premier League 8 634′ 0 1
Carabao Cup 3 225′ 0 0
Total 11 859′ 0 1
The 27-year-old was seen clutching his hamstring. According to Metro, the centre-back is now considered a ‘huge’ doubt for the weekend game against Man Utd.
Nevertheless, Alonso refused to draw swift conclusions, insisting medical tests will be performed to determine the player’s condition.
“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,” said the Spanish manager in his post-match interview.
Man Utd are also missing several key players
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
While Lacroix could join Joao Pedro and Emiliano Martinez on Chelsea’s treatment table, Man Utd have also been struggling with injuries, especially amid the lack of depth in some positions.
For instance, Benjamin Sesko could reportedly remain on the sidelines until January, leaving Michael Carrick without a natural centre-forward (at least one he trusts).
Moreover, the emergency situation at left-back could be extended, with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu yet to recover from their injuries. Marcus Rashford is also doubtful, having only returned to gym training earlier this week.
But the good news for Carrick is that Kobbie Mainoo has resumed working with his teammates on Wednesday, so he should be available for selection after missing the last four games.
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