According to a report by The Chelsea Chronicles on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Chelsea have been dealt a potential defensive setback after Maxence Lacroix sustained a suspected hamstring injury in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Liverpool at Anfield, leaving his availability for the upcoming matches uncertain.

Lacroix was forced to leave the pitch after appearing to injure himself while moving backwards towards the end of the first half. The French defender immediately clutched his hamstring and limped off, prompting concerns that the problem could keep him out of action for an extended period.

The injury is especially concerning because Lacroix has maintained an excellent fitness record throughout his career. During his time at Crystal Palace, he became a key figure in the defence, regularly featuring in matches and demonstrating impressive durability.

Transfermarkt figures show that Lacroix appeared in 98 of Crystal Palace’s 105 matches across two seasons. The seven games he missed were not all injury-related, with rest and suspension accounting for his other absences. These statistics highlight his reliability and importance to the team.

Before his move to English football, Lacroix recorded 130 appearances for Wolfsburg, missing 28 games. Notably, only six of those absences were linked to injuries or illness, suggesting that serious physical setbacks have not been a recurring problem throughout his career.

His previous fitness issues include a shoulder injury suffered towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign, muscular fatigue and COVID-19. The shoulder problem ruled him out for 71 days, although much of his recovery period coincided with pre-season preparations.

Chelsea will now be waiting for the results of medical examinations to determine the extent of the latest injury. Further assessments and scans are expected to establish whether Lacroix has suffered a minor strain or a more serious hamstring problem that could require a lengthy recovery.

Xabi Alonso has yet to reveal when the defender might return to action. However, an extended absence for the £52 million signing would be an unwelcome development for Chelsea, considering the impressive consistency he has displayed since joining the club.

Lacroix has arguably been the Blues’ most consistent defender this season, with his performances even placing him ahead of Levi Colwill in terms of reliability. Should he be sidelined, Alonso will have to reconsider his defensive arrangements ahead of several demanding Premier League encounters.

Colwill could be given additional responsibility in the backline, with Josh Acheampong and Jorrel Hato also available as potential alternatives. However, Fofana’s inconsistent displays could make it more difficult for the Chelsea manager to maintain the defensive balance his team needs.

Chelsea are approaching important league fixtures against Manchester United and Sunderland, making Lacroix’s condition a significant concern. Alonso will be eager to receive positive medical news and will hope the Frenchman can return without delay to help strengthen the team’s defensive performances.