[Evan Lloyd
Evan Lloyd](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/evan-lloyd)
Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.
Maxence Lacroix could miss around two months of action after suffering a hamstring tear in Chelsea's defeat on penalties to Liverpool on Wednesday.
The Frenchman was substituted at half-time, with Xabi Alonso confirming on Friday that he will be out at least until after the international break.
The 26-year-old arrived in a £52million deal from Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window and has been a key part of the Blues' defence, starting all but one of the 11 games across all competitions.
The 25-year-old has sat on the bench for much of the campaign so far, but started on Wednesday and will likely feature alongside Levi Colwill going forward.
Chelsea face a key match against Manchester United on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, and will also be without Jorrel Hato and Emi Martinez.
🚨 After sustaining an injury against Liverpool on wednesday, Maxence Lacroix underwent medical examinations which confirmed a hamstring tear. He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
He will miss this weekend’s clash against Manchester United and has also been ruled… pic.twitter.com/QMiJ5xOZvW
— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) October 30, 2026
What games could Maxence Lacroix miss?
Saturday's clash with Man United will be the first that Lacroix misses, and it is arguably Chelsea's biggest game of the season so far.
Defeat to Tottenham at Stamford Bridge last week was a huge blow for Alonso, and despite taking them to penalties, being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool brought further disappointment.
Man United arrive in terrible form and with a manager who has huge uncertainty over his future - anything but three points will be seen as a condemnation of Alonso's early tenure.
A trip to Sunderland will follow before Chelsea enter the international break, returning with a clash against Leeds United.
Lacroix, should he be out until the end of the year, will then miss key games against Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
The Blues will hope that he can return by the visit of Newcastle United at the start of next year.
Chelsea will feel Lacroix loss
On paper, Fofana looks to be a good replacement for Lacroix in the Chelsea defence.
The Frenchman had more defensive contributions than anyone in Wednesday's match, and won nine of his 11 duels.
But any Chelsea fan will know just how erratic Fofana can be. His decision-making can be downright bizarre, and mistakes are never far away when he is on the pitch.
Lacroix's start to life at Chelsea has not been perfect, but he has brought calmness to the backline. Alonso's team will miss it.