Chelsea's Maxence Lacroix. Photo: Getty Images
Premier League giants Chelsea fear French defender Maxence Lacroix could miss the remainder of 2026 after suffering a serious hamstring injury.
Lacroix was forced off during Chelsea’s EFL Cup penalty shootout defeat to rivals Liverpool on Thursday (AEDT), leaving Xabi Alonso facing another significant defensive setback.
There are reports the $99million AUD signing could be out until January 2027, meaning he could miss at least 10 matches.
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The 26-year-old has become a regular under Alonso since arriving from Crystal Palace, starting 10 of Chelsea’s opening 11 matches across all competitions.
“Max picked up an injury and we expect that he will not be ready before the international break,” head coach Alonso said.
“So he will be a few weeks out.”
The potential absence would see Lacroix miss several major Premier League encounters, including clashes with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Chelsea’s next 10 matches Lacroix could miss
October 31: Manchester United (H)
November 8: Sunderland (A)
November 21: Leeds United (H)
November 27: Nottingham Forest (A)
December 2: Crystal Palace (H)
December 5: Liverpool (H)
December 12: Manchester City (A)
December 21: Aston Villa (H)
December 27: Coventry City (A)
December 30: Ipswich Town (A)
The injury compounds Chelsea’s defensive problems, with Reece James, Jorrel Hato and Aaron Anselmino also sidelined.
Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are among the options available to Alonso as the Blues prepare for a demanding run of fixtures.
While Chelsea have confirmed Lacroix will miss the November international break, the possibility of an absence stretching into January represents a considerably bigger concern for the Blues – who are fifth in the standings and eight points off the pace.