Maxence Lacroix - General
Chelsea have been dealt a potential injury blow after Maxence Lacroix was forced off during their Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool at Anfield. The defender left the pitch holding his hamstring, leaving Xabi Alonso waiting for an update on one of his most regularly used players this season.
Maxence Lacroix suffers injury scare at Anfield
Lacroix began the match at right centre-back but was forced off after suffering an injury while trying to close down Cody Gakpo. The 26-year-old could not continue and was replaced by Levi Colwill in first-half stoppage time.
Chelsea were level at 1-1 when the defender went off. Morgan Rogers and Gakpo had both scored from the penalty spot earlier in the game. The club will now wait for an update, with Lacroix having become a regular part of the team in recent weeks.
As reported by The Sun, Lacroix has started all but one of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season. He has also played 634 minutes in the competition, the highest total among the club’s defenders. His possible absence could therefore leave Alonso with a problem at the back.
Lacroix joined Chelsea after making a strong impression at Crystal Palace. His physical strength and defensive work had made him an important player there. Chelsea reportedly paid £52 million to bring him to Stamford Bridge, hoping he would help fix a defence that has struggled to remain consistent.
Chelsea’s defensive problems come under scrutiny
The injury comes at a difficult time for Chelsea, who have had problems at the back since Alonso took charge. The team have shown some good attacking play, but they have also allowed opponents to create chances and score too easily.
Chelsea’s defensive record has also raised questions about the quality of the current squad. Losing a regular starter like Lacroix could make matters worse, particularly if he has to spend a long time out.
Lacroix had impressed during his time at Crystal Palace, but adapting to Chelsea’s system has not been easy. The team often ask their defenders to push forward and stay close to opposition players. This can leave them exposed if opponents move the ball quickly, making quick decisions and good positioning important.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also questioned whether Lacroix is comfortable with the demands of Chelsea’s approach. Carragher suggested that the defender looked more suited to playing in a back three at Palace than operating in Chelsea’s current defensive structure.
Carragher also argued that Chelsea still lack a defender who can organise the back line and provide consistent leadership. His comments reflect wider concerns about a unit that has yet to establish itself as a reliable part of the team.
Lacroix’s Crystal Palace stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB–
Competition Appearances Defensive Contributions Duels Won % Interceptions
Premier League 35 375 61.3% 45
EFL Cup 3 41 66.7% 3
Conference League 14 97 55.6% 12
Maxence Lacroix - General
Alonso waits for news on key defender
Chelsea will keep a close eye on Lacroix as they try to find out how serious the injury is. Until the club releases an update, it is difficult to say whether he will miss the next few games or return after a short break.
Colwill’s introduction gives Alonso another option in central defence. However, replacing Lacroix will not be easy if the injury keeps him out for a long time. Chelsea need their defenders to build a better understanding as the demands of domestic football continue to increase.
The immediate concern is finding out the extent of Lacroix’s injury. His return could be important as Chelsea look to improve their defending and find more consistency this season.