According to a report by the Evening Standard on Friday, October 30, 2026, Chelsea could be without Maxence Lacroix until January 2027, with increasing concerns that the defender has suffered a serious hamstring injury that could create further problems for Xabi Alonso.

The France international is facing the possibility of spending several months on the sidelines after picking up the injury during Chelsea's Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Lacroix started the encounter at Anfield but was forced off shortly before half-time after experiencing a hamstring problem. He received treatment on the pitch before being replaced by Levi Colwill.

Although Chelsea have yet to confirm a definite return date, Alonso revealed during his press conference on Friday that the defender would not be available before the November international break.

He said: "He picked up an injury, and we expect that he's not going to be ready before the international break."

However, fears are growing that the injury could be more serious than initially expected, potentially keeping Lacroix out of action until January.

An extended absence would be a major setback for Chelsea, as the defender has featured in all 11 of the club's matches this season since joining from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window.

Should he remain unavailable until January, the 25-year-old could miss up to 15 matches, starting with Saturday's Premier League meeting against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Lacroix has also joined an increasingly crowded Chelsea injury list that includes captain Reece James, João Pedro, Aaron Anselmino and Jorrel Hato.

In his absence, Wesley Fofana is expected to take on greater responsibility in Alonso's defensive setup. The French defender has struggled to secure regular playing time this season but could now be handed an extended run in the starting lineup.

Colwill and Josh Acheampong are other options available to the Chelsea manager, while Hato and Anselmino could provide further defensive cover once they recover from their respective injuries.